Wanted: Public Support

This article from the "Grand Island Independent" focuses on the progress being made at Fonner Park in Grand Island to ensure that the new State Fair Park is ready for the opening of the fair in August. All of the buildings but one are to be completed before the fair begins, and most of them are partially completed already. The new State Fair Park is set to be one of the most advanced in the nation, and will be much nicer than the run-down facilities that were used in Lincoln.

The article also addressed the concerns that many had when the fair was first moved that there would not be enough support for the fair in Grand Island. Joseph McDermott, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair said that the biggest way to ensure that the fair is a success is participation. Without the support of the public the fair will not thrive in Grand Island or anywhere else. People need to go to the fair in order for vendors and other businesses to invest in the future of the event. When the move was announced there were many people in Grand Island that didn't want the fair and said that it would fail miserably. When I heard these comments I was discouraged, because if someone wants something to fail bad enough, it will. If Grand Island and the rest of the state decide not to support the fair than it will fail. The best way to ensure that the fair is successful is simply to go and enjoy it.