State Fair attendance not far off 2023 despite heat

The Nebraska State Fair has announced its attendance of over 129,000 for the first five days of the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, a 7.5% drop from the same five days in 2023, but up 12% over the same span in 2022.

“There is no denying August heat played a factor in our attendance during opening weekend, but it didn’t stop our loyal fair fans from enjoying everything the State Fair has to offer this year,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director. “We’ve seen folks from all over the state, and beyond, gather to observe our new drone show, take on every ride in the carnival, bond over new foods and of course take in all the air-conditioned buildings we have to offer.”

Even with the heat waving through the Heartland, guests have shown tremendous enthusiasm about celebrating one of Nebraska’s grandest traditions. Opening day attendance was up 12% over 2023. The fair felt a slight dip of 16% from Saturday through Monday, when the heat peaked. Tuesday was back up nearly 11% over 2023.

Courtney Glock, Nebraska State Fair Marketing Director, shared that attendance isn’t always the priority in measuring event success.

“Success to the fair is happy families when they leave the grounds. Success to the fair is a safe and healthy event for our livestock, exhibitors, vendors and guests,” said Glock. “Though we love seeing the numbers and strive to grow and become stronger in every area of our work, we want your time at the fair to be something you look forward to all year long; something our state is excited about. That’s success to us.”

Early survey results show fairgoers consider the fair a great event for families and that they would recommend friends coming. Shade continues to be an area of concern from the survey. 

The Nebraska State Fair team took extra steps to ensure plenty of new shaded areas, cooling stations and hydration points throughout the grounds. Parr said the feedback that’s come in is a direct reflection of the preparation of staff all year long.

With the theme, All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair is August 23-September 2 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment, and other musical performances is available at statefair.org.

2024 State Fair Attendance by day (vs. 2023)
Friday: 20,220 (2023: 17,947)
Saturday: 43,466 (2023: 50,276)
Sunday: 24,612 (2023: 30,515)
Monday: 14,643 (2023: 17,474)
Tuesday: 26,887 (2023: 24,232)