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Mayor offers 8 potential State Fair sites

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 - 01:01:35 am CST

The mayor of Lincoln offered eight alternative locations for the State Fair during a meeting Tuesday, but none of them wowed the State Fair representative to whom he pitched them.

Since the State Fair Board isn’t interested in sharing the Lancaster Event Center on 84th Street, Mayor Chris Beutler pitched eight other possibilities to State Fair Board representative Tam Allan.

“The primary question still is lack of availability of any funds to relocate it,” Allan said. “I would say it will be unlikely that in this process, they would be candidates for relocation.”

Story Photo
(LJS file)

Allan said the eight sites were all on the outskirts of Lincoln.

* Two farms in the area between Adams and Fletcher streets at about 112th Street.

* A 200-acre site at South 84th Street and Yankee Hill Road that had been designated as a future park. The city bought it with a $600,000 donation for park land from Dale and Karen Jensen about a dozen years ago.

* Three sites west of the airport, two of them privately owned and the other in Airpark West, an 800-acre industrial area near Interstate 80 and Northwest 48th Street.

* Land adjacent to the city landfill, to the west.

* The 250-acre site of a proposed shopping center called Southwest Village that’s on hold at U.S. 77 and West Denton Road. This site has previously been proffered by the developer.

Some of the sites had already been suggested to the State Fair Board. The mayor didn’t say how he would get the land that wasn’t owned by the city, Allan said.

After the meeting, Beutler was not available for comment but released a statement saying he believes the State Fair should stay in Lincoln and he intends to make every effort to find a site that meets the fair’s needs.

The problem is, there are no amenities on any of the sites he offered.

“These are bare properties, some of which aren’t even for sale,” Allan said.

That makes them less attractive than the facilities the fair board saw last week in Grand Island, Allan said.

The fair board’s executive committee toured Fonner Park, a Grand Island complex that has a horse racetrack, the new $35 million, 7,500-seat  Heartland Events Center and the Hall County Fairgrounds.

“If the fair were to relocate, the Grand Island Fonner Park relocation site would still clearly be the least expensive relocation site because of all of the existing amenities,” Allan said.

Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, said Grand Island officials are putting together numbers detailing the cost advantages of moving the fair there.

The statewide economic impact of the fair has been estimated at nearly $28 million. Johnson said Grand Island folks are cautiously optimistic about their shot at reaping that bounty.

“The road from Grand Island to Lincoln is much shorter than the road from Lincoln to Grand Island,” she said.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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whatever wrote on February 20, 2008 5:19 am:
" Ok, so we are offering land to the State Fair that the City of Lincoln doesn't own and doesn't even know if it's for sale. Heck myself and any regular poster on the JS can do that. This is leadership? These are rational alternative sites? The City of Lincoln, UNL and Lincoln's "visionary citizens" aren't even sincere. Get ready for a poorly thought out "event center" and a "research center" that will go no where. Heck, this State and the City of Lincoln can't even have sincere and rational discussions about any of this. Plus, the public has been completely left out of the "debate". You can take it to the bank all of it will fail as their isn't a single person involved in this process that is even remotely qualified to manage any of this. Of course there is the issue of where does the money come from. I dare any Republican to sock the public with this bill because with what I'm hearing on the street the Republican Party is in even bigger trouble than most "experts" think. "

 Appreciate the Mayor wrote on February 20, 2008 5:22 am:
" It's nice to see that our Mayor continues to work to keep our state fair in Lincoln. "

 I foresee more fighting wrote on February 20, 2008 6:14 am:
" What will happen when the State Fair board moves to G.I. and find they can not get along with the Fonnor Park Board, it will be just like working with the Lancaster County Fair Board. I think the Fair should move to the Lancaster County Event Center and the two boards work together or both boards should be replaced. It is really sad that grown adults can not work together for the good of the State, County, Youth and adults. It is great that we are teaching the leaders of tomorrow that it is o.k. not to work together as a team. "

 What???? wrote on February 20, 2008 6:17 am:
" This is fast turning into a HUGE joke. Property to the west of the city dump???? Won't THAT provide FUN at the fair on a hot day!!!! AirPark???? It took YEARS just t get a grocery store out there. 84th and Yankee Hill road???? Is there anyone that REALLY wants to drive that far to pay for overpriced food, drinks and entertainment????

The fair board needs to get over themselves and move to the current event center. It's already there AND it's already being used by organizations that USED to go the the fairgrounds.

The UNL Big Red Machine has SPOKEN. The fairgrounds closing is a DONE DEAL. We all well know that, in the end, taxpayers are going to be footing the bill for any move the fair makes. "

 dexter wrote on February 20, 2008 6:27 am:
" Go ahead and shoot yourselves in the foot. All because of the mighty and all powerful UNL. Don't worry, I won't say I told you so... "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 20, 2008 6:55 am:
" Next to the airport??? Landfill??? You guys aren't even trying. Good-bye Lincoln, Hello Tri-citys. "

 b s wrote on February 20, 2008 7:10 am:
" wow. "those are wonderful places to have the fair" Now, how do people who walk to the fair get to it? We will be spending more money on gas, which the gas prices are outrageus right now, Dude you need to find some place closer in town. It is a shame, you don't know how to think of the low income folks when you are thinking of things like this. "

 dd wrote on February 20, 2008 7:23 am:
" A fair by the landfill sounds like fun to me! Yippee! Great thinking Mayor! "

 Move It wrote on February 20, 2008 7:59 am:
" I'd like to see the State Fair move. GI's central location would make it accessible for many of us who live outstate. There is more to Nebraska than just Omaha and Lincoln, for those who don't know... "

 Fair_goer wrote on February 20, 2008 8:23 am:
" I would like to speak for the people that like the fair and go every year. I have been going to the State Fair for over 30 years. I started going to the fair with my parents and siblings and now I take my own family. We never miss going to the fair because it is great entertainment and fun. It is actually something to look forward to each year. If the fair is moved out of the city of Lincoln, I will no longer go. Why would I drive 3 hours to Grand Island which is in the middle of no where when I could drive 3 hours and go to Kansas City where there is everything? The only people you will get going to the fair are the small town western Nebraska folks. You for sure won't get anybody from Omaha to drive that far. I guess I am sad and disappointed that the City of Lincoln is willing to let the fair leave us. We are the Capital city of Nebraska, maybe it is time to start acting like one. "

 ... wrote on February 20, 2008 8:25 am:
" I actually love the state fair...is it for sure moving, or are they still deciding? And if it is, will it be moved this August, or in the future? I doubt I will go if they move it too far away, but I really do love it! I guess I'm one of the minority on this one... "

 Chris wrote on February 20, 2008 8:55 am:
" This should reaffirm the state fair IS where it should be! Obviously it is not easy to swap location and the site increases in value with each review or examination of alternate sites. This was a poor showing by the mayor. Maybe it is time for UNL to capitulate and move on,m if only to show she can be innovative. "

 Jim wrote on February 20, 2008 9:05 am:
" State Fair by the city dump. Thats about what I would
expect from this mayor! In other words, the UNL WILL
get the fair grounds!! Might as well send it to Scottsbluff and sell the rest of the town to Russia!!
As high as the taxes are, it is mind boggling this city
has no money for anything. Oh except for the 2015 Group
and for a town this size it is terrible the money going
to the schools. There is something VERY VERY wrong
with this city accountability!!! "

 Never Happy wrote on February 20, 2008 9:10 am:
" You people are never happy with your comments. The UNL needs room to grow or it might as well shutdown, and there is no places closer in town to put the fair. I know, how about we level all these run down house in the south 9th to 1st streets area from A to South street or some other run down part of town.

Get you head out people, at least the mayor is trying to keep it here. It still isn't as far to go for over priced food and drink as it is to GI. I think that the South side of town around 84th and Pine Lake would be great. "

 KYKP wrote on February 20, 2008 9:14 am:
" I know the fair (for now) is still a decent money maker but if we are going to spend millions of dollars why spend it on the fair? Lets look to the future and create something productive. We all know that Iowa has cornered the Fair market, downscale it and move it to GI I'm cool with that. (I hate the fair!) "

 use your brains wrote on February 20, 2008 9:14 am:
" If you think the fair is suffering now for attendance park it out in Grand Island... NO ONE WILL GO!!! The Fair and Lancaster County Fair Grounds should be combined. Anyone with any common sense knows this! "

 John wrote on February 20, 2008 9:17 am:
" Everytime I read comments by the fair booard, especially Mr. Allan, I get more and more frustrated by their we're not moving, nothing is ever good enough atitude. There is nothing wrong with co-locating on the Lancaster Event center property. As the leader of the fair board it should be his job to work in cooperation with other groups and give thoughtfull analysis to ideas proposed and not dismiss them simply because it's not what he wants to do and can't get along with other groups of people. Mr Allan seems to be very short sided in his thinking and I think maybe it's time to find a new fair leader. "

 4-H and State Fair Lover wrote on February 20, 2008 9:17 am:
" No matter the fall out, the UNL bureaucracy has spoken and it will be so. The fair must move. If that be the case, and after reading some of the dynamic options the mayor and the city of Lincoln are offering, my vote is for is to move right down I-80 to GI. That city has certainly shown it's mettle when it comes to Husker Harvest Days and it just might be healthy for the state to centralize a function whose roots are based on a more rural concept. "

 Move it 2 wrote on February 20, 2008 9:19 am:
" Get it out of here, seriously. Free up that land for UNL. State Fairs are has-been things, overpriced and irritating. "

 Heather wrote on February 20, 2008 9:23 am:
" Seems like a big waste of money to move it. "

 JR wrote on February 20, 2008 9:24 am:
" Actually, the State Fair needs to move east to Gretna -- heading west to Grand Island is the wrong direction. Sorry to everyone out west, but since nearly 75% of Nebraska's population lives within a 50 mile radius of Omaha and Lincoln, Gretna is really the population center of the state. Seems anything representing Nebraska should be located in the middle of the most Nebraskans. Face the facts Greater Nebraska...other than a few scattered settlements between Hwy. 71 and its western border, Nebraska IS Omaha and Lincoln. "

 Mike in DC wrote on February 20, 2008 9:26 am:
" Move to GI. It makes sense for the state. UNL is now and in the future will be an economic engine crucial for Lincoln and Nebraska, and allowing the fair to move to GI helps build economic capacity in central Nebraska, even if it starts out as a more compact event. Central and Western Nebraska have felt left out of these kinds of things for years, and I really like the idea. In a few years, I'd also consider moving (over time) more of IANR to UNK; still in partnership with UNL (like the engineering college w/ UNO. Nebraska needs to start putting infrastructure in place so they can build capacity in increments, so better-paying jobs can lead to lowering property taxes. Moving the fair creates two great opportunities for two Nebraska communities in different phases of "economic" development. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 20, 2008 9:27 am:
" The fair in Lincoln has failed to produce the attendace numbers is should have. You say people from Lincoln and Omaha will not go if it is in Grand Island, heck, they don't go to it in Lincoln. The people of Western Nebraska will support it and it will generate at least the same attendance along with a better fair. There is an estimated 1,000,000 people in the Lincoln/Omaha Metro and the fair only has an attendance of 290,000. Who knows even how many of the 290k is even from the metros "

 kk wrote on February 20, 2008 9:31 am:
" As a fellow Lincolnite, I would like to see the fair remain in Lincoln. However, Grand Island is not three hours away, it is an hour and 15 minutes down the interstate not three hours away, not even from Omaha. The saying is always said that it is downhill to Lincoln and uphill to travel west. If Lincoln can not provide an attractive site for the State Fair then more power to Grand Island for being able to offer a cheaper, attractive, and new facilities to the State Fair. Grow up Lincoln, you won't even waste an entire tank of gas driving to Grand Island. "

 MOOOOOOve it to GI wrote on February 20, 2008 9:57 am:
" It's more suited to the ag industry anyway. $28 million? I'd put money down that says the land could get quite a bit more use than that figure if the use was something other than a state fair park. Time for Lincoln to admit we're not an ag town anymore and give it to "Ag Nebraska." We can do better, Lincoln. "

 Adam wrote on February 20, 2008 10:02 am:
" I'm not sure the dump would be any worse that the sewage treatment plant the SF currently backs to....... "

 JRM wrote on February 20, 2008 10:06 am:
" Keep it simple! Prioritize by: #1- Land aquisition must be currently City owned, or at least County/State. #2- Site must be within 3 miles of I80 and a major interchange already existing. #3- On a bus route or area where a bus route can easily be added. #4- Convenient to lodging or a space where future development would be attractive to hoteliers. These items should be attractive to State legislators and justify their vote for state funding support (which is a "must"). Because after all, they have to answer to their constituants outstate. If Lincoln can't come forward with one solid location meeting these critetia, then I guess maybe it is not meant to be. We must do this with the absolute minimal local Lincoln tax dollar or folks will balk at supporting it! And I truly do want it to remain in Lincoln. "

 Grand Island wrote on February 20, 2008 10:07 am:
" I think that Grand Island would make an excellent place for the fair. For those people who cannot drive the 3 hours from Lincoln, maybe they should get a map, because they are taking some backwards road to get there. Since we live in the middle of nowhere, it would be great for us country folks to have something to do for a couple weeks a year. Plus the fair has had trouble the last several years, time to give it a chance somewhere else. "

 Lane wrote on February 20, 2008 10:26 am:
" Perhaps the Fair Board should take Kearney up on its offer to host the Fair. Lincoln seems more interested - as usual - in appeasing the university, and somewhat indifferent to having the fair continue there. "

 Mark wrote on February 20, 2008 10:29 am:
" It's telling that there's FAR more public angst over the possibility of the fair moving than there was when Gallup left. Given the choice, would you rather have the fair in Lincoln, or Gallup? The fair or Lincoln Industries? The fair or Ameritas? The fair or Li-Cor? The fair or Duncan Aviation? The fair or ITI? Even those on welfare get some benefit from the work of others on construction, research, travel, meals, retail sales, etc. from the development of a Research Complex. The fair will still be an option somewhere. Historic, beautiful buildings? Huh? I see two crumbling brick buildings, and lots of corrugated steel barns and cinder block restrooms. Not a lot of aesthetic gems. Don't get sucked into some class/education/rural/urban snipe fest. "

 Clarence wrote on February 20, 2008 10:36 am:
" Keep the state fair where it is and get someone in charge that knows how to run a successful state fair. As a former Nebraska who has lived in Iowa 38+ years, look at how the Iowa State Fair is run. They have broken the yearly attendance mark of 1 million visitors for several years. "

 Realist wrote on February 20, 2008 10:53 am:
" Alright I give up. I don't care where the state fair goes anymore. Let it stay where it's at, and fail. Let it move to Grand Island, and fail miserably. Move it to the Lancaster Events site, and watch it fail. Etc. Etc. Etc.

It doesn't matter because the people running the fair are the problem, not the fair itself. They're too wrapped up in their own morals and hangups to let it succeed. And they're too arrogant to go over to Iowa and see what makes that state fair the biggest and most successful state fair in the country.

So, do whatever. It's not going to matter in the end.

If you want to save the fair, start at the top. Get some fresh blood in there, and maybe somebody a little younger and more in touch with the actual demographic who CAN make a difference in the fair's success. "

 Inside View - 2 points wrote on February 20, 2008 10:54 am:
" 1. UNL has been manipulating to get the fairgrounds for over 20 years. They will get it. Then, they will work on obtaining the North Bottoms and complete their closed campus.
2. Due to UNL's manipulations the State Fair is already doomed. Where the State Fair should move to is irrelevant. Once they leave the historic site the State Fair will die. The importance of local vendors and supporters has been vastly underestimated. It will take so long to build both the physical and the intangible connections at a new location that the State Fair will not survive.
It is time to start saying goodby. "

 What a waste wrote on February 20, 2008 11:04 am:
" First off, I don't think that moving the fair because UNL wants the land is a good reason. They have been buying up land all around there for years and are OK on land for a while. If the reason for moving is that it can be proven that it will be better off financially, then that is a whole different story and I am all for that. However, I suspect that any move will do nothing other than to serve as further demise of the fair because it won't help them financially by moving in Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney or anywhere else. On another note, I live on the west side of town and I wouldn't want that noise and mess on the west side of town where we were SUPPOSED to get shopping (which we need over here). "

 tim wrote on February 20, 2008 11:10 am:
" there's only one solution. its time to bring dr tom in and save the day. "

 John shook wrote on February 20, 2008 11:14 am:
" I think that is bogus Grand Island don't need the fair there it needs to stay in lincoln its been here along time and it should stay like that. I'm not driving all the way to grand island just to go see the state fair. I think the mayor needs to check these sites out to me they seem very good. "

 Prion wrote on February 20, 2008 11:28 am:
" Where do current attendees of the fair come from? Seems like data showed Eastern Nebraska, there would be increased risk of loss of that core . 4-H and others future leaders from the Ag community provide a show of the fine work they do. Meanwhile children in schools are threatened by not only potentially contaminated meat but also by decades of failed research better quantifying and identifying tests to ascertain presence of the agents causing Mad Cow disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. UNL could better support the beef industry and safety of children in Nebraska schools if it focused on research rather than “where” pretty buildings should be built. "

 BYOB wrote on February 20, 2008 11:33 am:
" Don't even think south...., that is a dumb thought.
Keep it by I-80 for easy access for all that travel to it or all you rich people that live south could have I-80 moved south to your neighborhood at your expense!
What is the mayor thinking proposing this stuff? Wake up, it's called comon sense, something Lincoln is running very short on. "

 me wrote on February 20, 2008 11:35 am:
" Grand Island has spent the time and money to be able to offer a great move for the State Fair. "

 tom b wrote on February 20, 2008 11:54 am:
" lets spend money on something thats a money pit anyway...
what are you people thinking...evidently money grows on trees... "

 JR wrote on February 20, 2008 12:10 pm:
" Even if the mayor came up with the perfect place for the state fair to move, they would still complain. Why? Because it would mean someone on the board would finally have to do some work. Drive around State Fair Park right now and look at how this fair board has allowed the buildings to become eyesores. There aren't a whole lot of places on the grounds that deserve to be kept. Most states would love the idea to start over. Imagine a blank canvas and start to use your imagination. But like I said, that would be too much work for this board. You really want Grand Island?? Then I say fine, and good luck. "

 Why? wrote on February 20, 2008 12:28 pm:
" Why after all the years that the fair has been in this place does it have to move? UNL owns all land from 33rd to 48th and from Holdrege to Leighton. Why can't they put their research facility there? They have already said they would rent some of the area to other businesses. So it looks to me like they want the land for free and then they can lease it out to others. The fairgrounds are historic. Why can't anyone say no to the university on this one. My whole life we were able to walk to the fair. What about parking? This is the first and perfect place for the fair. Leave it there. Once you move it the City will suffer revenue loss but it will be too late, because once you move it, you can't move it back. Learn from the mistake you made when you didn't want Americruise in Lincoln. "

 rb wrote on February 20, 2008 12:42 pm:
" Mark brings up good points. I like going to the fair, but if it comes down to the fair or even one employer who employs 100+ people, I'm taking the employer every time. I'd like to see the fair stay here, but if it won't work it won't work. Good luck in GI. "

 Stan wrote on February 20, 2008 12:43 pm:
" Eight inadequate alternative sites are either an insult or lack of good faith in seeking substantive options. The mayor must realize the value of the state fair. It, like the proposed convention center faces a need for perpetual subsidies. Lincoln should be happy the state is subsidizing the fair, Lincoln’s property taxes will for years subsidize a convention center. Relocation of the fair has excessive costs linked to it that shouldn’t magnify subsidy costs the state is already burdened with. Keep the fair where it is, UNL has other options, including the sites the mayor identified.. "

 Robert M. Romanovich wrote on February 20, 2008 12:49 pm:
" I thought we had all agreed to move it to Columbus. What happened? These proposed sites are horrible. But, I am waiting for the eventual poster who blames the whole thing on Senator Chambers. "

 Matt wrote on February 20, 2008 12:51 pm:
" What is wrong with the airport location? The only objection that I've seen is that its "too far to drive" or "how are people who walk to the fair suppose to get there." Are you kidding me?? Its the STATE FAIR...its not the North Bottoms Fair!! Do people from Scottsbluff, Kearney, Grand Island, Norfolk, Omaha, or other parts of Lincoln complain because they "can't walk to the fair." Your objections are absolutely juvenile! The Airpark area would actually be excellent. The area is quickly developing and being revitalized. Plus, it has one thing that the current location doesn't have...lots of space! This just shows how zealous the state fair advocates have become. Basically, there will be no place that is suitable because the "fair is where its suppoe to be." Does anyone else have a problem with giving monster trucks and cow shows priority over a multi-million dollar state of the art research park, which will bring in revenue and jobs to the state? This is what's wrong with the state. "

 Make Money What!!! wrote on February 20, 2008 12:53 pm:
" Good ole Nebraska
Has a state fair but no one can afford to go it.
Won't support Gambling so we take our money to Iowa.
Dont like the idea of a drag strip so we take that money to Kansas.
What makes me wonder why my taxes are so high surely not any form of mismanagement.
Lets say the fair grounds are moved to G.I. and the first year it is a failure then what move it back to well here we are again after wasting a huge amount of money Tax money no doubt.
Well anyhow as always the public will have to deal with it when it happens. "

 Fair fan wrote on February 20, 2008 12:54 pm:
" Thanks mayor for your joke...(it was a joke, wasn't it). If it wasn't, then where did you ever dream up most of those sites. You don't even own some of the land, were you just going to go in and use eminent domain to get it? I remember last time airpark had an air show, the roads couldn't handle the traffic. Actually, where the fair is currently located, all roads are already widened to handle the increased traffic. And the fair has trees, which help people keep cool on 100 degree days. A lot of people won't go if they're going to be baking in the hot sun without shade. Please, actually sit down and THINK. And please, put it to a vote of the people of Nebraska, who actually all have a stake in the fair. "

 Good grief wrote on February 20, 2008 1:17 pm:
" If the state and city leadership was as interested in
building the city of Lincoln and the state as they are in
wrangling over the state fair grounds, maybe all the
youth wouldn't have had to leave this state for the last
60 years!!!!! You people are pathic. Everybody wants to
be elected to a job for the citizens to pay them to set
on their duffs and the only thing they know is, raise
taxes, raise taxes, raise taxes, raise taxes, then the
state legislators want full time pay for a part time job!
No wonder this state keeps going down hill and drives
all the youth out!!!! "

 Let them have it... wrote on February 20, 2008 1:26 pm:
" Why don't we let GI have the State Fair. Then, enlarge and schedule the Lancaster County Fair over at the event center on the same weekend and call it good! "

 Sherry wrote on February 20, 2008 1:27 pm:
" Matt makes good points, it might be brilliant for an innovation park to be near the airport with lots of room for UNL to expand. Corporate partners could be efficient if the innovation park catered to jet set ideas. It would be great if the state fair were allowed to build a hotel with a private investor and get sales tax revenue that Lincoln is seeking. UNL and the State Fair could be better if they worked together. "

 sue l wrote on February 20, 2008 1:28 pm:
" if it aint broke - don't fix it! Leave it alone and tell the UNL to be on their way. Do they really need to take over the entire city? "

 why us wrote on February 20, 2008 1:46 pm:
" Are we the only State Fair in the entire country that seems to be in the way of progress. I've been doing some research on fairs across the country, and what I've found is that for the most part, they are all located in populated areas where I'm sure other businesses or universities could expand, but this doesn't seem to be an issue with any other state. So I ask. Why us? If other places can have a sense of history and find other places for "progress", why can't Lincoln. Why not move the 2015 groups ideas out to the landfill or airpark. Maybe they can work on issue around dumps and further recycling ideas. "

 NORTH 77 wrote on February 20, 2008 1:58 pm:
" Contact the Drag Strip Developer, he has a big tract of land that would be ideal for the fair site, great location, could have motorsports events, horse and llama racing, plenty of space for development and parking and right along a major 4 lane Hwy for access. Get r done Lincoln Mayor! "

 Oh no.... wrote on February 20, 2008 2:47 pm:
" the state fair has no place to go?!! Who cares?!!! Move it to the tri-cities, and in 5-10 years nobody will be going. Kearney is quickly growing to a nice size city and the citizens there will soon not care either. The State Fair is lame and a waste of state dollars. Kearney can have it, maybe they will do just as good as a job with it as the overpass bridge thing that is probably THE lamest thing ever. Name one thing you love at the state fair that you will miss if it moves? A) carnies B) terrible unhealthy food C) scary, poorly constructed rides D) animals you can see driving down I-80 or E) Mullets and jean shorts. Personally I choose E. "

 Nic F wrote on February 20, 2008 3:13 pm:
" The fair is pretty much blighted, lets be honest here folks. There are no attractive buildings. Most of the buildings are metal, and the couple of brick ones are in terrible shape. Let the fair go to GI, it will keep costs down and even though it is only an hour closer to the Western rural areas, it will prosper more then it has here. "

 Tom wrote on February 20, 2008 4:21 pm:
" I have to say I am tired of the way voters of Nebraska are always ignored. First it was to repeal closing class I schools now it is support of the fair. A majority voted to give the state fair money from the lottery to help improvments and survival, at it's current location. I doubt if anyone that voted for this would have ever supported it if it was to move the fair. I think if they decide to move the fair that it should be voted on by the people, thats who it belongs to. If Grand Island thinks they will make the fair bigger and better , they are mistaken. I understand the whole center of state argument but get real, population is East. I just don't mean Lincoln and Omaha Metro, the rural areas are more populated also. I really doubt people in the eastern rural areas will make the trip twice to Grand Island a few weeks apart to attend an event like this. I know I won't I will wait for HHD. The fair need to stay where it is and UNL needs to find another space. There are plenty of areas UNL's pipedream can be located, how about in the highlands where it was suppose to be, or east campus where they already have the land. Enough is Enough UNL be accountable. "

 Joe wrote on February 20, 2008 5:19 pm:
" I think it is brilliant to use a site just next to a landfill during the hottest months of the year! People will flock to the park just like flies to manure- and it will smell similarly as well. Brilliant! "

 One Out In The Third wrote on February 20, 2008 5:36 pm:
" Close the gates, let the County Fair's meet the needs of fair goers and spread out all this wealth that the State Fair supposedly brings. The reality is the State Fair has been a money pit for years. Grand Island can't afford it unless they raise taxes in Grand Island and across the state. A move is lose-lose for all of Nebraska's taxpayers. And no free lunch for UNL either. It's like the Governor says, "We can't be everything for everybody." "

 DR wrote on February 20, 2008 5:39 pm:
" Kinda funny how there could be 8 sites for a state fair but nowhere for a drag strip that would bring in millions more to our local community. "

 JoBeth wrote on February 20, 2008 6:16 pm:
" OK, but there are not enough hotels in GI to support those that would be staying over. How will that work out? "

 Doug wrote on February 20, 2008 6:28 pm:
" GI, you can have the Fair and all the filth and carnies that go along with it. Why do we want to fight to keep this thing here. Does anyone really look forward to going to the fair anymore? Any year in the past that I have taken my kids thinking it HAS to be better than before just ends in disappointment. Have fun with this money dump GI, good riddance. "

 Russ A wrote on February 20, 2008 6:56 pm:
" visionary group 2015 cramming anything they want down our throats at any cost well two main people to blame for that K Svoboda and R Eschliman they are LIBA's top guns to get in your pockets and drain them dry for their special projects and interests "

 Sir UNL wrote on February 20, 2008 7:15 pm:
" To all of you complaining STOP!! I AM UNL and I RUN Lincoln and the state of Nebraska. I will get what ever I want or I will crush YOU!
sincerely MR. UNL
P.S. Go Huskers "

 One Out In The Third wrote on February 20, 2008 7:35 pm:
" That's it! Save us Ernie!!! Filibuster this thing 'til the cows come home. Take it all the way to the end of the session. Break 'em down Ernie, be the last man standing and leave your mark. "

 john wrote on February 20, 2008 7:49 pm:
" Just split Nebraska in half. Give the western 2/3 's to Wyoming and Colorado and the rest to Iowa. See how easy it is to make a power decision. "

 Clarence wrote on February 20, 2008 8:31 pm:
" John, As a former Nebraskan living in Iowa, Iowa does not want the eastern half of Nebraska and all the complaing individuals living there. There are several former Nebraskans living in central and eastern Iowa that want to get back to Nebraska but so far most of them can not bring themselves to cross the Missouri River. They move as close to Nebraska as they can but still stay in Iowa. We get to see plenty of Nebraskans at the gas stations and casinos on the East Side of the Big MO. KEEP THAT NEBRASKA MONEY COMING TO IOWA11111 WE LOVE IT1111 "

 Moe wrote on February 20, 2008 8:50 pm:
" Might as well give the land to UNL. Our state fair is an overpriced? Definitely. Has been? Yes.... thing. But the only problem is now, were will we relocate the State Capitol to by the time UNL wants to overrun that. Perhaps the Mayor of that time will propose building it next a landfill. "

 Stone wrote on February 20, 2008 9:43 pm:
" It is an understated fact that career politicians like nothing better than to spend tax revenue.

The best place for the State Fair, to the benefit of the entire state, is right where it is. Given the approaching economic storm, it seems foolhardy to drain tax reserves on the boondoogle at each end of this project - the research park for the university on the current State Fair Grounds . . . and the moving of said State Fair to somewhere else.

If it is not broke, don't fix it. "

 Dale wrote on February 20, 2008 10:12 pm:
" It should be a simple choice, keep the fair where it is or move it out of Lincoln. If Lincoln wants State support to move the fair to allow a possible economic growth opportunity through UNL then Lincoln should share the growth opportunity provided by a new state fair grounds by letting the fair move to another city. "

 Matt wrote on February 21, 2008 12:01 am:
" I want to clarify my first post. I was proposing that State Fair be moved out by the airport...NOT the research park. My issue was that I am absolutely dismayed how people give the State Fair priority over the research park. This is a no brainer. The same people complaining about the fair being moved are the people who complain about high property taxes and no jobs. Well, do you know why we have high property taxes and no high paying jobs? Its because, in the past, the powers-that-be failed to move Lincoln forward and failed to invest in our future. The research park is something that will actually benefit the people of Lincoln and the state as a whole. I am simply amazed that people really feel that an event that last 2 weeks out of the year should take precedent over the research park. Why not do something that will at least contribute to revitalizing the Lincoln economy and bring it some national recognition. This, coupled with the other 3 or 4 Lincoln projects, is really going to help Lincoln move forward. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 21, 2008 7:43 am:
" The state needs to do whatever it takes to save the fair. Move it in lincoln, move it to GI, move it to York. The fair isn't working where it is at and needs to be fixed, no matter what the cost. Maybe if they change the fair logo to "N", more people would care. "

 rebel14 wrote on February 21, 2008 7:52 am:
" All I would like to say to everyone who lives in this great city of Lincoln is GROW-UP!...One individual stated that they didn't think that they would drive all the way down to 84th and Yankee Hill road for the fair or they would go to Grand Island for the fair...if you love the fair as much as you say you do then you would support it no matter where it is placed. Personally I was born and raised in north central Nebraska (a 5 hour drive to Lincoln just so everyone knows, and my parents didn't like coming to Lincoln because of all the narrow minded people) I didn't get to see the State Fair until I was 19 years old and that's only because I went to For everyone in Lincoln and Omaha who don't know, there are people that live outside of your precious cities that might not want to drive 5+ hours just so you guys can only drive 84 blocks. "

 Eddie wrote on February 21, 2008 8:35 am:
" Unfortunately, Mr Mayor, some people would complain if you offered them Heaven as an alternate spot. Many small minded people can't see the forest for the few trees that are left at SFP. The current fair is not worth saving. Take advantage of starting over at a new spot. Plan now for what you want in the long term. Plant lot's of trees and dream big. And for you whiners who say the university always gets what it wants, and have wanted the state fair for over 20 years, then why did it take the U that long??? This is a no brainer. "

 Keep Fair Where it Is! wrote on February 21, 2008 8:50 am:
" I think it is a sad state of affairs that the Fair should be moved. The Fair should stay where it is at its current location. It is the most economical and historical solution. Look at the facts, the consultants hired by the Agricultural Committee said it would cost $30 million to fix it up where it is and it would cost $175 million to move it. That information makes it very clear that the most optimal solution is to keep it where it is. The University does not need this land. They can build their research center on land they already have. No other State has moved their historic State Fair. Why has this idea even got this far? Our State Fair has 2 historic buildings the Industrial Arts Building which was built in 1913 and the 4-H Building which was built in 1930. Someone commented that the Fair Board left these building get run down. The Fair Board has not had any support. The powers that be have not helped the Fair. Why don't the powers that be support the Fair? The lottery money will help and recall that the people of Nebraska voted to provide this money from the Lottery to help the Fair at its current location. I submit that if the total facts of this issue were known, like how much it will cost to move the Fair and how much it will cost to build the project that the University wants on the Fairgrounds that the majority of the Nebraskans would vote to keep the Fair where it is. I am not saying the University should not have a research park, but it does not belong on the State Fairgrounds. I have pride in my state. I believe in preserving the values and history and making the State Fair available for future generations. I do not buy into New York City ideals where they tear down good buildings to build new ones. We do not have to do that in Nebraska. I believe that Nebraskans have pride in their Institutions and want them to succeed and stay viable for the future. The Nebraska State Fair is an institution that needs to stay where it has been for over 100 years. This is a good history and remember the Fair is a showcase for Agriculture, our number one industry. Recall that Perlman is not always right. "

 Oklahoma State Fair wrote on February 21, 2008 10:37 am:
" Oklahoma (for one) moved their fair within Oklahoma City after 50+ years of "tradition." Get with the times, Nebraskans, change is GOOD! "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 21, 2008 10:37 am:
" 1. Other states have moved their fair and have become more successful.
2. The 30 million vs 175 million is a joke. The fairgounds are laid out poorly. It would take more than 30 mil to fix that. I would like to see what is included in the 175 mil figure. Land cost? Existing utilities? I would like to see a list of two new sites in Lincoln and two new sites elsewhere in the state and see what numbers come in. You can't have an accurate estimate for moving the fair without a new site picked out. Also, you don't have to build it all at one. If you have the land, you can expand later. The current site doesn't have this option. "

 ryan wrote on February 21, 2008 11:27 am:
" the fair is a joke. just get rid of it altogether. "

 Joe wrote on February 21, 2008 11:55 am:
" Thank you Mayor Beutler for taking steps to keep the State Fair in Lincoln and presenting possible alternate sites should that become necessary. For one State Fair board member to reject all of the sites immediately without any consideration by the entire board seems irresponsible. Promoting the Grand Island site exclusively appears to contradict the results of the consultant's study that cost the State Fair $150,000. One of the criteria listed in the study to ensure a successful fair was to have a fair site near a population base large enough to support the fair. The Grand Island site apopears to be marginal, at best, in this regard and the same applies to the other criteria in the consultant's report. One would hope that since the State Fair spent $150,000. for the study, that it would at least use the results to make any decisions. Any of the proposed sites will take a lot of money to work, even the 84th location. Up to now, no tax money has been mentioned for any of these projects. As a matter of fact, the governor has made it clear that no tax funds will be used. We can say all we want about the university and its tactics but it is the legislature and the governor who will make the final decision. That task is formidable and every one will not be pleased. However, I think most Nebraskans would like to see both the State Fair and the University prosper. Neither the State Fair nor the University are as bad as some of the posters on this site have implied. The Mayor should be commended, not condemned, for his efforts to ensure that both institutions are in a position to flourish in Lincoln. If the funds can be found to make this possible in Lincoln,without burdening the taxpayers, the projects should get consideration. As to the "old" versus "new" argument, keep in mind that "old" is not always good, and "new" is not always bad. Change is never easy. "

 Didn't know wrote on February 21, 2008 12:17 pm:
" I was interested to learn from our mayor, that one of the suggested sites is property that's been in my family since it was homesteaded. Didn't know that, thanks for the update, mayor. "

 Robbie K. Slein wrote on February 21, 2008 1:06 pm:
" Lincoln, a "Great City"? Doesn't a city actually have to be a city before it can be a "Great City"? Lincoln is a college town, always has been, always will be. Even this proposed research whatchamacallit is a university doo-hicky. The people that live in Lincoln, by and large, are the students at the university who either dropped out, are professional students, or who were too lazy and afraid to move out into the real, cold dark world (whether in rural areas or in Real Cities). But, why are still having this conversation since (a) we all agreed the Fair should be moved to Columbus and (b) Lincoln doesn't want the Fair? "

 Former Ne. wrote on February 21, 2008 2:09 pm:
" Hay (or is it "hey?") I've got an idea. Move to the Branson area of Missouri where people are truly friendly, there's always something to see and do, taxes are at least 1/4th less than Lincoln, there's no UNL or BIG RED sucking us dry, and the area is beautiful. Mo. has casinos' too!!! Y'all come on down, we'll show you what you been missing!!!! Lot's of happy "EX-NEBRASKANS" live here!! "

 Neigh... wrote on February 21, 2008 2:10 pm:
" There's a state fair? I don't think I would like to drive that 3 hours uphill into rain and tornadoes to get to GI. No, wait - let's just move GI to Lincoln then we can keep the fair AND support GI. Yahoo! "

 concerned citizen wrote on February 21, 2008 3:24 pm:
" Who attracts more trash, The landfill or the State Fair? "

 whatever wrote on February 21, 2008 5:20 pm:
" Some of you didn't even read this article. Beutler offered the state fair land the City of Lincoln doesn't own and doesn't even know if it's for sale. "Offering up" someone's farm that appears to be just a "random pick" isn't leadership, nor is it really a viable option to consider. As far the "research center". Can anyone tell me anything specific about it other than UNL wants to build it on the fairgrounds. Can anyone give a cost? Can anyone state with authority what thought process led to the conclusion the State Fair grounds were the best and most viable option? If you really look at the whole picture of a new events center, new fairgrounds and research center and the nearly 1 BILLION dollars it will cost to build all of this, and that's a conservative figure, a thinking person would expect a heck of a lot more thinking and planning that what we have seen thus fair. "

 Big Deal wrote on February 21, 2008 6:13 pm:
" On today's radio show on KLIN, David Landis was talking about the resource corridor that is antelope valley. How much more land does UNL need? "

 Billy Bob wrote on February 21, 2008 6:32 pm:
" Build this resource center where the Starship movie theater was located, Remember that project? Keep the fair where it is now located. "

 Well, wrote on February 21, 2008 6:38 pm:
" whatever, you expect a lot of answers for something that isn't even definite. How can anyone ACCURATELY put a cost on something that is the beginning stage? Even glorious Omaha is having trouble putting figures on their ballpark. Why not sit back and relax, and the information will come out. Geez man. "

 KG wrote on February 21, 2008 9:07 pm:
" Slien, we didn't ALL agree the state fair should be moved,and if this town is all college students, who in
the heck do you think is paying the taxes in this place?
Lincoln USE TO be a nice city about 50 years ago, if you
were here then!!! Shortly after it started down hill and
is still going and nearly to hit bottom!!! "

 mark wrote on February 21, 2008 9:18 pm:
" robbie k. slein - Wrong. Lincoln was a college town in the '60s. Now it's a city with universities and global-impact companies. Sorry, but we're not Ames; we're a city of 260,000 with a diversity of backgrounds and futures. However, the value of the future always hangs in the balance. The Fair is a non-factor. And yes, I moved here willing from the West Coast 8 years ago, and plan to stay. "

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