Big Picture: Inside the State Fair
Jaws drop, given a sneak peak inside a $42 million dollar showcase. The Nebraska State Fair's come a long way in under a year.
"It was flat ground, nothing," State Fair board member Linda Lovren said while touring the complex.
More than nothing, it's now something, potential of what will be in only a few months.
State Fair board member Tam Allen said, "Some would say building the buildings we are building in basically a year period is crazy. It looks like we'll get away with it."
Through rain and snow, crews never stopped with an August first deadline to hit.
"I think it's fabulous, just unbelievable," board member Joe Andrews said.
Lovgren added, "Seeing concepts on paper and seeing them built are two different dimensions and I think people will be tremendously amazed and excited about the facilities we have."
Even with intense focus on the first fair, many consider ways to get use out of the buildings beyond that.
Allen said he's seen "an incredible interest in using the buildings for other types of events throughout the rest of the year. Of course that's the purpose of moving the fair out here, establish wonderful buildings we have."
Allen is the one shepherding the fair board through construction. He makes frequent visits to ensure everything is on track. They're building on Fonner Park's established facilities, including the Heartland Events Center.
They're adding six main buildings to the campus. The showcase is a 250,000 square foot livestock complex, one of the largest in the nation.
"The facilities are unparalleled in the area," Allen said.
Joe Andrews, a board member from Bassett said, "I've talked to a lot of them up in our area and they can't believe what I'm talking about and they'll be totally surprised."
Interest runs so high, exhibition buildings are beyond capacity. Livestock entries are up as well. And the layout, with the main buildings lined up should make navigation a breeze.
There's still a four letter word being heard around the grounds, and that's "time."
Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
The new buildings include:
4-H/FFA exhibition hall (will be City Fieldhouse the rest of the year) - 70,000 square feet
Swine Barn - 80,000 square feet
Exhibition Hall - 100,000 square feet
Sheep Barn - 90,000 square feet
Cattle Barn - 110,000 square feet
Ag Arena - 60,000 square feet
A storage warehouse and welcome center are also under construction. Administrative offices will be built next year.
Learn more at: www.statefair.org
Story by: NTV
