2013 Nebraska State Fair

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:47 pm

Here it comes again! Share your images, comments and stories here!

Driving by on Monday the 19th, some early arrivals before the rest of the Wade Shows midway rolls in after a run at the Missouri State Fair.

Map of the fairgrounds

badlander · Post by **badlander** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:23 pm

I've seen from several sources, print and television, that the level of State Fair volunteers is down this year, compared to last year for sure. Â Is the newness wearing off already? Â Pot of available volunteers drying up? Â I also see that a new Chamber volunteer coordinator is leading the charge this year. Â Bet it takes a huge effort to bring together the finished product.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 8:15 am

badlander wrote:I've seen from several sources, print and television, that the level of State Fair volunteers is down this year, compared to last year for sure. Is the newness wearing off already? Pot of available volunteers drying up? I also see that a new Chamber volunteer coordinator is leading the charge this year. Bet it takes a huge effort to bring together the finished product.

Seems like everyone except the US Senior Open is begging for Volunteers this year...

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:41 am

I've seen from several sources, print and television, that the level of State Fair volunteers is down this year, compared to last year for sure. Â Is the newness wearing off already? Â Pot of available volunteers drying up? Â I also see that a new Chamber volunteer coordinator is leading the charge this year. Â Bet it takes a huge effort to bring together the finished product.

From what I've seen, they had a bit over 700 volunteers signed up as of last week, compared to the 880 by the end of last years fair. I know a few of the older volunteers have passed because last year was unbearably hot for much of the run, not to mention normal attrition numbers. In addition to the fair volunteers, there are a lot of volunteers for booths, events and programs on the grounds that don't get counted in that number. My wife and I are both involved as volunteers for multiple things going on through church and community programs and aren't counted in that number. So, there's a LOT of competition for people and hours.

I've been involved in events that took 40 or 50 volunteers and THAT was a huge project, so I can't even begin to fathom.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 3:24 pm

Brad wrote:
badlander wrote:I've seen from several sources, print and television, that the level of State Fair volunteers is down this year, compared to last year for sure. Is the newness wearing off already? Pot of available volunteers drying up? I also see that a new Chamber volunteer coordinator is leading the charge this year. Bet it takes a huge effort to bring together the finished product.
Seems like everyone except the US Senior Open is begging for Volunteers this year...

Why pay for labor when you can get it for free?

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:20 am

jessep28 wrote: Why pay for labor when you can get it for free?

The volunteers are mainly in the "hospitality" type of positions. Information, greeting, monitoring and to some extent parking and ticket areas. The real labor is all paid.

And, that being said, the local paper says they reached the 900 volunteer level, so all is good.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:01 am

Pics from opening day. We dropped in after work and took a tour around the grounds to get a feel for what we want to see when we have more time.

First impressions on the Wade Shows midway: it's NICE! Goofball freak shows, flashy games, traditional games, impressive rides for the little kiddies and big kiddies too. Pretty impressive roller coaster for a traveling show.

A few pics to give you a taste...

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:07 am

Thanks for the Pics!

Post by **Coyote** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:19 am

Nice! Thanks for sharing those!

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 11:29 am

Very nice pics. I was mentioning to my wife that since we moved back to Omaha, we need to go to the Nebraska State Fair once. I had gone to Iowa State Fair for 13 consecutive years but didn't go this year. I actually read that their attendance was down over 50,000 this year from last. They still topped 1,000,000, but lost almost 5% from last year.

When comparing the music acts at the two state fairs I actually think the Nebraska State Fair is much better when considering the acts and the prices.

Nebraska State Fair:

Trace Adkins: $18
Chicago: $30
Lynyrd Skynyrd: $31

Free bands:
Kelli Pickler, Mel Tillis, TobyMac, Eli Young Band

Gate Admission: $10

Iowa State Fair:

Couldn't find the prices for these concerts since the fair is over but most were $40+

Casting Crowns
Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Kevin Nealon
Dierks Bentley
Victoria Justice
Toby Keith
Train
Carly Rae Jepson
Alan Jackson

Free bands:
Sevendust, Blue Oyster Cult, Skid Row

Gate Admission: $11

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 2:45 pm

skinzfan23 wrote:Very nice pics. I was mentioning to my wife that since we moved back to Omaha, we need to go to the Nebraska State Fair once. I had gone to Iowa State Fair for 13 consecutive years but didn't go this year. I actually read that their attendance was down over 50,000 this year from last. They still topped 1,000,000, but lost almost 5% from last year.

When comparing the music acts at the two state fairs I actually think the Nebraska State Fair is much better when considering the acts and the prices.

Nebraska State Fair:

Trace Adkins: $18
Chicago: $30
Lynyrd Skynyrd: $31

Free bands:
Kelli Pickler, Mel Tillis, TobyMac, Eli Young Band

Gate Admission: $10

Iowa State Fair:

Couldn't find the prices for these concerts since the fair is over but most were $40+

Casting Crowns
Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Kevin Nealon
Dierks Bentley
Victoria Justice
Toby Keith
Train
Carly Rae Jepson
Alan Jackson

Free bands:
Sevendust, Blue Oyster Cult, Skid Row

Gate Admission: $11

According to their website, Iowa charges $10 per vehicle and motorcycle for parking and $2 for bikes. Nebraska parking is all free, with the exception of one close-in lot next to the midway that's $10. Also, bikes are free with attendants on duty.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 6:24 pm

Hay Candleshoe

I believe they added more parking at the grounds in the last year but I was wondering if you knew if they were still running the shuttles to and from the remote parking if new lots were open. Â The last two years we have parked at the S Wal-Mart and taken the bus to and from. Â It has worked great to get there. Â I am sure that it says on the web site but I haven't checked yet. Â Thought I would see if you knew without looking. Â Planning on making the trip over next Saturday.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:51 pm

Great Photos!

What's with the wire on fire?

badlander · Post by **badlander** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:32 pm

Brad wrote:Great Photos!

What's with the wire on fire?

Nebraska Public Power has an electrical setup for educational purposes, aimed at instructing youngsters and not-so youngsters about respecting electricity.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 10:14 pm

nebugeater wrote:Hay Candleshoe

I believe they added more parking at the grounds in the last year but I was wondering if you knew if they were still running the shuttles to and from the remote parking if new lots were open. The last two years we have parked at the S Wal-Mart and taken the bus to and from. It has worked great to get there. I am sure that it says on the web site but I haven't checked yet. Thought I would see if you knew without looking. Planning on making the trip over next Saturday.

Yes, the shuttles are running again this year. A nice crowd out there today in spite of the heat and didn't see any traffic problems.

bbtran72 · Post by **bbtran72** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:17 am

agreed to what candleshoe said, traffic flow was so much better than last year. I went saturday with the fiance and her family and even went on the skytran( which is not bad) but it is barely/if any faster than walking. Â Good turnout though

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:48 am

bbtran72 wrote:agreed to what candleshoe said, traffic flow was so much better than last year. I went saturday with the fiance and her family and even went on the skytran( which is not bad) but it is barely/if any faster than walking. Good turnout though

Hehe, you don't ride the sky tram for transportation, LOL. We rode it in the middle of the afternoon on Sunday and it was loaded with old folks. The benefit is that they put the brakes on for the old folks to load and unload, so you get a lot longer ride, plus a little swinging action. Â 8)

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:14 pm

More scenes from the 2013 State Fair

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Many Moccasins @ The Nebraska State Fair by candleshoe, on Flickr

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Wed Aug 28, 2013 8:26 am

DSC_6200 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

DSC_6222 by candleshoe, on Flickr

DSC_6229 by candleshoe, on Flickr

DSC_6260 by candleshoe, on Flickr

DSC_6247 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sat Aug 31, 2013 8:31 am

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:43 pm

A few things we saw on Saturday the whe our family went to the fair!

2013 Nebr State Fair-257 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-247 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-193 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-272 by nebugeater, on Flickr

So tell me, witch one is not telling the truth?

2013 Nebr State Fair-273 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-269 by nebugeater, on Flickr

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:49 pm

The State Fair has a really great home out there. I'm so glad to see it thriving like this.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:52 pm

2013 Nebr State Fair-240 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-184 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-168 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-130 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-123 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-111 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-100 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-96 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-68b by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-62 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-55 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-14 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-20 by nebugeater, on Flickr

2013 Nebr State Fair-1 by nebugeater, on Flickr

Some more here if you are interested

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nebugeater ... 330869697/

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:01 pm

Nice stuff, nebugeater! Looks like you guys crammed in a couple of days worth into one. Â :yes:

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:38 am

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

Chicago at the Nebraska State Fair by candleshoe, on Flickr

Nebraska State Fair 2013 by candleshoe, on Flickr

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 8:41 pm

Very nice pictures. Â Thanks for posting!

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:19 pm

Attendance figures released this morning. the heat took a bite out of the weekday figures, but the weekend finished strong.

Friday 16,179
Saturday 43,145
Sunday 30,125
Monday 14,583
Tuesday 19,456
Wednesday 22,163
Thursday 17,058
Friday 24,315
Saturday 42,712
Sunday 71,355
Monday 33,840
Totals
334,931

Historical comparisons

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2013 Â Â Â Â Â Â 334,931

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2012 Â Â Â Â Â Â 336,987

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2011 Â Â Â Â Â Â 333,043

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2010 Â Â Â Â Â Â 309,400

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2009 Â Â Â Â Â Â 367,200

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2008 Â Â Â Â Â Â 309,000

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2007 Â Â Â Â Â Â 299,000

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2006 Â Â Â Â Â Â 289,000

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2005 Â Â Â Â Â Â 262,000

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2004 Â Â Â Â Â Â 262,400

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2003 Â Â Â Â Â Â 238,000

Omaha Forums

2013 Nebraska State Fair

2013 Nebraska State Fair

Volunteer shortage

Re: Volunteer shortage

Re: Volunteer shortage

Re: Volunteer shortage