With a theme of “It All Happens Here,” there’s a lot to take in at the Nebraska State Fair.
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People walk the grounds of the Nebraska State Fair on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the fair’s opening day in Grand Island.
A new monument honoring 250 years of America is dedicated on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Ashton Wiedel, 10, sifts through cowboy hats for sale on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the opening day of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
A visitor and child look at a waterfall in the Nebraska Game and Parks exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair’s opening day on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
Photos: First day of the Nebraska State Fair
9-year-old Paisley Petersen plays in the water in the Nebraska Game and Parks exhibits on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
A robocar stands up to look around the fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the opening day of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Colleen Williams gives commentary on a patriotic sweet treat during the New and Unique Food Contest on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Rock-It the Robot, a strolling performer, speaks to spectators on Main Street of the Nebraska State Fair on its opening day Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
8-year-old Tinsley Little leads classmates in a playground activity on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair’s opening day in Grand Island.
8-year-old Mya Randall points out fish in the Nebraska Game and Parks exhibit on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
A new monument honoring 250 years of America is dedicated on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
8-year-old Felicity Houdek and 9-year-old Emma Alvarado jump off a model dock in the Nebraska Game and Parks exhibit on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Everett Greenwalt, 2, pets a young alligator on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during the fair’s opening ceremonies on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
Ashton Wiedel, 10, sifts through cowboy hats for sale on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the opening day of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
People walk the grounds of the Nebraska State Fair on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the fair’s opening day in Grand Island.
A visitor and child look at a waterfall in the Nebraska Game and Parks exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair’s opening day on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
BMX performers do tricks on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
A visitor to the New and Unique Food Contest tries an “elephant ear," a pastry available at the fair, on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
R.J. Post is a reporter at the Grand Island Independent. Reach him at rjpost@theindependent.com or (308) 381-9452.
