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Cool reception for mayor’s State Fair plan

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BY MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Mar 26, 2008 - 12:25:18 am CDT

Mayor Chris Beutler has pitched a pricey new plan to keep the State Fair in Lincoln.

Only problem is, the plan isn’t getting much love from those expected to foot the bill.

The $110 million proposal — drafted by Omaha attorney Kermit Brashear, former speaker of the Legislature and now Lincoln’s legal representative in the debate over the State Fair’s future — counts on the following:

Story Photo
Mayor Chris Beutler

* $10 million from the city of Lincoln;

* $30 million from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln;

* a $40 million bond issue guaranteed by the University of Nebraska Foundation; and

* a $30 million loan to be paid off by revenue generated by turning State Fair Park into a university research and development campus.

The plan doesn’t suggest a specific location for the fair, but Beutler says there are options beyond the Lancaster Event Center at 84th Street and Havelock Avenue, a location supported by NU and a coalition of local business leaders called 2015 Vision but rejected by the State Fair Board.

Beutler’s mission: Get the best of both worlds by giving the 251-acre fairgrounds to NU for a research park while also keeping the fair in the Capital City.

“What’s important is that I think there’s room in Lincoln for both the State Fair and Innovation Park,” Beutler said Tuesday. “I don’t want to just give up because that one site (84th and Havelock) isn’t appealing to (State Fair Board members).”

But whether the City Council, the university and the NU Foundation are willing or able to chip in tens of millions of dollars to make the Beutler-Brashear proposal work is a big if.

None of those institutions was consulted before the proposal went public.

None readily lent support to the plan.

“We did not have any dialogue, and we would not backstop a bond issue,” said Terry Fairfield, president and CEO of the NU Foundation. “Certainly not a $40 million one.”

The proposal caught Fairfield by surprise.

“When things are put out like that, one of the things we worry about is, what reaction do our donors and trustees have to that?” he said. “You know, you hang it out there, and that was a bit concerning.”

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman also said he had no previous knowledge of the proposal.

UNL, he said, isn’t in a position to fork over $30 million.

And City Councilwoman Robin Eschliman wants more information on the financial benefits of keeping the fair in Lincoln before she commits to offering up $10 million from city coffers.

“It’s quite a price tag, isn’t it?” she said.

“It’s pretty clear that the mayor was committing to something on the presumption that he would have the council’s support. ... I think the mayor’s doing a fabulous job of trying to do both, trying to get the research park and keep the fair. But do I believe we should do both regardless of the cost? No, I don’t think so. But I’m willing to look at it.”

Beutler says he didn’t intend for the proposal to go public so soon and that he’s aware it may or may not work.

The idea, he said, was meant to soften State Fair Board members’ reluctance to move to an alternative spot in Lincoln.

U.S. 77 and West Denton Road, 56th Street and Interstate 80, and Northwest 48th Street and I-80 all have been mentioned as possible sites for relocation.

Still, Fonner Park in Grand Island has emerged as a leading candidate to host the fair, and the mayor simply doesn’t want to see the fair move west.

“We just want to get the State Fair Board talking to parties in Lincoln,” he said. “At this point in time, they’re ideas on the table. This is not our final plan.”

Ultimately, the fair’s fate lies with state legislators, who expect to make a decision before the current session ends April 17.

The Legislature’s Agriculture Committee had tentatively scheduled an executive session for today to discuss the issue, but that session is temporarily on hold.

Committee Chairman Sen. Phil Erdman of Bayard said he remains confident the committee will decide on a bill to forward to the full Legislature soon.

He wouldn’t indicate whether the committee is leaning in a certain direction, saying: “All options are still on the table.”

Erdman said he’s open to new ideas, but said the Beutler-Brashear plan has some holes.

“The problem of it is, none of the parties have even been talked to,” he said. “I’m all for creative solutions, but creative solutions have to be practical and realistic.”

State Fair leaders all along have said moving would be too costly a burden to taxpayers. They’ve said they can afford to slowly spruce up the fair at its century-old location.

Tuesday, fair board member Tam Allan declined to comment on the Beutler-Brasher proposal.

Meanwhile, 2015 Vision members continue to believe 84th and Havelock is the best location for the fair. They’ve pitched a plan to build a new fair there without creating any new city, county or state tax dollars.

But 2015 Vision is involved in discussions about the fair’s future less and less often, member Tonn Ostergard said, leading him to believe his group’s plan isn’t likely to succeed.

Still, he said, he’ll look at the positives.

“If the fair goes to Grand Island, we’ll be disappointed,” he said. “It won’t be a win-win, but it will be a win in that we will have Innovation Park.

“But we believe 84th Street is the best location. I’d express that to anybody who wants to listen.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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i agree wrote on March 26, 2008 3:38 am:
" it should be moved to 84th... who would want to go clear out to GI for the fair? "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on March 26, 2008 4:32 am:
" So Harvey says "UNL isn’t in a position to fork over $30 million". That should be the end of this story. If UNL doesn't have the money to support this idea, then drop it!
I, for one, think there is nothing sadder than the thought of our State Fair grounds getting demolished as Lincoln's North Forty Golf Course recently was. All in the name of development when there are plenty of empty buildings sitting all over Lincoln. And no 2015 Vision Group, I do not want our State Fair moved next to a Walmart on 84th Street! "

 Soooooo........ wrote on March 26, 2008 4:36 am:
" Here it comes folks!!!!! The taxpayers will foot the bill for a move. What a load of garbage. And for the fair board to say that they can "spruce-up" the fair at it's current location???? The Big Red machine has SPOKEN. GET A GRIP FOLKS. It's a done deal. All this talk about "what if" and "might move" is all smoke and mirrors.

It's going to fall, yet again, on a "bond issue" that the Lincoln taxpayers will be forced to pay through a raise in the "whatever" tax.

Sorry but the State Fair has become a huge joke. Loses money repeatedly and no one really cares about paying for over-priced tickets for sorry rides, games and other "entertainment" that just gets worse year after year.

I think I'll go to Omaha and do the Septemberfest thing. It's cheaper, has more entertainment possibilities, and doesn't take place in buildings that seem to be falling apart. "

 whatever wrote on March 26, 2008 5:24 am:
" At least we are getting closer to a realistic dollar amount. Vision 2015 needs to trash the LCEC idea, it's a subpar facility even for most of the bigger county fair in Nebraska. "

 Can't Fault The Guy wrote on March 26, 2008 5:25 am:
" At least the Mayor continues to try. I give the guy a lot of credit for trying to work and faciliate an agreement. The people he has to deal with are not the easiest, or the most rational in our city sometimes. "

 Rick wrote on March 26, 2008 5:34 am:
" Though I might not agree with it, it has been the only plan presented with numbers attached. Now we can start seeing what it is really going to cost. The 2015 group just wants to paint a pretty picture, but no plan to get it done. "

 Hold it wrote on March 26, 2008 6:21 am:
" "When in the course of human events" it has become evident that this current administration and staff, do not see the seriousness of the situation created by their own processes. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and determine that the most reasonable thing to do at the present is to do nothing and that waiting at this time is not a bad thing but rather a good thing. Even at the cost of being more expensive in the future, it would appear that during the current economic enviornment, we should sit back and take a close look at what we can really afford. It is not that our city taxes are too high, but combined with the county, school, and city these taxes are becoming a burden even to the wealthiest individuals and if these burdens are not recognized by the main stream politician then the JQ Public will be effected even more than is realized at the present. These ideas sound good and look good on paper but do they realistically hold up. It doesn't hurt to pause and take note for a time and sense the economic environment for a couple of more years, nothing is going to deteriate that much in the next couple of years and prices are not going to be that excessive and if they are then it will become quite evident that this is not a good thing. So, pause and wait, it would be a wise move on all of these parties. "

 just watch wrote on March 26, 2008 7:11 am:
" Just watch this Mayor will not take the hit for this blunder. He will blame it on Brashear and he is paying him for this, WOW!! Hey give me 10,000 i'll come up with some stuff too.
The City of Lincoln is going down faster now than when Seng was here. He is interested in finding JOBS for his kroonies that he is not watching the City. There are at LEAST 6 former legislators giving bum advice the this Mayor. Doesn't he have a single idea? When is Chambers going to be on the payroll "

 Jeanne wrote on March 26, 2008 7:17 am:
" I live in the Lincoln area, and if the state fair moves to Grand Island, my family won't be attending the fair anymore. And, it sounds like several people feel the same way. "

 get real wrote on March 26, 2008 7:28 am:
" give it to the Grand island and make the University Foundation pay for it. "

 Jack Brass wrote on March 26, 2008 7:34 am:
" Or here is an idea for a DOWN economy. Don't spend the money! Leave the fair where it is! Let UNL spend a few years developing the property that they already own! You can have the additional R&D space without having to build it twice! "

 Leave it or go to GI wrote on March 26, 2008 7:37 am:
" Part of what makes the state fair unique is the current location and the buildings involved in State Fair Park. I have talked to several of us regular folk who like to attend and all have said the same thing. The 84th street site just doesn't have it and I have to say I don't know that I would even consider attending the state fair at that location. It is just dead there, no personality. If the university wants state fair park, make 'em pay and then let the state fair move to GI. I'd much rather make a day or two visit to GI and see the sites than drive out to 84th street for an hour or two. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 26, 2008 7:38 am:
" There are no hotels near 84th and havlock. Nobody will want to drive all the way to 27th St to stay! Cheapest option is in GI. "

 So if wrote on March 26, 2008 8:04 am:
" So if the 2015 group is right that the fair should go out to 84th street then wouldn't it also be good to have a big Arena out there too. That way they all can share the infrastructures needed to run all three operations and cost to taxpayer should be less. OH no it might be good for taxpayer but I forgot the good o'l boys would lose out and the 2015 grouip who started this mess and is going to cost the taxpayers boat loads of money will not get their way. "

 Kevin in Lincoln wrote on March 26, 2008 8:06 am:
" I complement the mayor for taking a creative approach to keeping the fair here. Sending the fair to Grand Island is a mistake since most people in the state that attend the fair are from Lincoln and Omaha area. Sending it to Grand Island will cause a revenue drop like they have never seen before. It seems like the fair board wants Grand Island but I think they will pay dearly for that should they go that route. I have talked with many people around here in Lincoln and Omaha whom have stated they would not go if it is moved to Grand Island. Why take the fair out of the area with the most revenue dollars for fair???? "

 Term Limits wrote on March 26, 2008 8:23 am:
" Term limits may be good for Nebraska but it sure has played havock on the City of Lincoln "

 Mary wrote on March 26, 2008 8:28 am:
" UNL doesn't have 30 million dollars? That is priceless. I about fell off my chair. "

 Woody7 wrote on March 26, 2008 8:31 am:
" I do not want to see the fair move west. They think they are having trouble getting people to come to the fair now, just wait and see what happens when it moves. I hope the mayor can persuade the council. "

 Henri wrote on March 26, 2008 8:32 am:
" Talk about giving someone the 251 acres of Fair ground propert is akin to highway robbery. Then as always having the people of the state foot the bill for a new location and venue...
Who is coming up with all of these ideas..If I were a real estate agent I would be licking my chops and attempt to broker a fairer price and or exchange.
Maybe a million dollars an acre would be a F-A-I-R option.
W O W.....What a commision!!!!! How about a rebate to all of the taxpayers who would like to have a say in the proceedings..... "

 Not Suprised wrote on March 26, 2008 8:45 am:
" You mean our mayor planned something without consulting all the stakeholders? No way!

This is typical Lincoln government. Grand vision, no facts to back it up. We need to get this ridiculous excuse for government out! "

 MHB wrote on March 26, 2008 9:06 am:
" Lincoln might get a better return on investment if she looks to develop existing sites that are available. From 2000 to 2005 there were 125 companies doing business at with $22 million with Penn State who has 23 locations around the state with nineteen campuses . Industry partners are important. The mayor (and UNL) really need to expand the vision and find some corporations to validate and maybe even change to a realistic action plan. So far we see the backbone of industry, for example nanotechnology companies even glancing this way UNL and the city could be, like Penn State, securing patents that help drive development. The patent, as a property, might be more valuable in creating spin-out companies than a piece of land. What then should we seek to aquire and build from?. "

 JR wrote on March 26, 2008 9:10 am:
" So, if this is an idea that all sides dislike, then it must be the right one. No one should get everything they want, and no one should get nothing. At least the mayor is doing something. Unlike Erdman sitting in his ivory tower making all kinds of promises and then not delivering. And as far as the State Fair Board? If thye can't get along with anyone, then kick them all out and start new. It's not like they have done a bang up job so far. They are the ones who let the fair deteriorate to the point where it should be moved. "

 Lincolnite wrote on March 26, 2008 9:13 am:
" Why don't they look at putting this technology park over to the west of haymarket park on the southwest corner of sunvalley and charlston. it would still be close to the university. is there plans for this property now? I know they talked about an ice rink somewhere but I didn't know specifically where the plan is to put that. "

 Turkey25 wrote on March 26, 2008 9:14 am:
" Desperate men seek desperate solutions? Is the mayor obsessed with a one sided compulsion that is driving people crazy to a point of looking simply silly. Bullying isn’t admired on school playgrounds or in this fair grounds scenario. The state fair board and Unicameral have looked at options for moving the fair and found them to not suitable. If the University continues to stop her feet and pout the concept will only fall further behind reaching fruition. Why isn’t UNL thinkjng “outside the box? Nor are the mayor or UNL showing ability to adapt and work with others...collaborative innovation may not be one of her strengths.. "

 Matt wrote on March 26, 2008 9:19 am:
" Like I said before. If it moves out of Lincoln, my family and I won't go again. Thats waaaaay too far to travel for a state fair. "

 Big Babies wrote on March 26, 2008 9:31 am:
" I think the State Fair Board should seriously grow up! They are continuously crying about something, nothing is ever good enough and they are extremely close minded...it wouldn't surprise me that because of them the future of Lincoln and it's hope to hold on to it's youth goes right down the drain. State Fair Board must have some kind of a governing body, someone that tells them to keep it zipped, move them to 84th & Havelock and lets move on with life. And on another note, Mitchy_v, the state fair doesn't bring in near the revenue that it once did, it doesn't sell out hotels or fill your restaurants anymore...try something else for a change. Move the Fair, Move the Fair, Move the Fair! "

 Dano wrote on March 26, 2008 9:33 am:
" I don't understand why the fair board can't handle moving to the Havelock location. The space is open, a mojrity of infrastructure is in place. Maybe we should be asking why they can't get along with the county location? Maybe we should be recalling them for more open group of leaders. What is so bad about a location that is more open, able to design for efficient use, and not a patchwork of aged facilities/infrastructure? Why can't you be more efficient with the dollars we send to the fair evey year by sahring the facility and getting economies of scale and cooperation? Why can't this leadership be just that, instead of acting like a group of kids who can't share their toys or playground?

For those who think the fair will be attended less or more by a move, you need not include me in that mix. I live in Lincoln and don't attend now. Moving the fair to GI or somehwere else, doesn't matter to me. I am less likely to go now where it currently is and by who currently operates it, than I would there. Under the current leadership, the fair has gone from being decent in the late 90's to stagnant, dull, unappealing, and a waste of time and money. It attracts no variety of shows, has the same vendors, and the same events every year. They never come up with anything new, or support anything big, and it isn't getting any cheaper. It all makes me wonder where all the state money really goes. They don't pay vendors to come in and display, and there aren't any big name acts coming in anymore, and there haven't been major improvements to any of the facilities in years. You pay for pretty much everything you do there. So what happens to all that money?

Until major changes for the fair occur, you can count this as my pledge to keep myself and family from attending. "

 DOA wrote on March 26, 2008 9:38 am:
" The State Fair and Unicameral were drawn into a struggle than has little to do with the State Fair and more to do about a much need face lift for UNL and the city. The interests of the State may have been ignored or undermined by this fiasco. Unfortunately NU has not brought a broad innovation and technology master plan to benefit all areas of the state. For this delinquent and shallow effort, the Unicameral really should be disappointed. The city needs to move before 2015 to develop and attract innovative companies, she has other fine institutions to work with if UNL fails to seek to move on to another site. "

 too late... wrote on March 26, 2008 9:45 am:
" The mayor's plan comes too little too late. Where was a plan when this whole mess started. The governor is already stating that the fair will most likely move to Grand Island and I for one think that it is due to the bumbling of the Lincoln leaders who haven't stepped up with a good solid plan to keep the fair in Lincoln and yet still have space somewhere in the city for a technology park. "

 Bob wrote on March 26, 2008 9:49 am:
" Tought is was interesting how the governor stated the fair should move GI yesterday. Lincolnites need to decide if having the fair in a less than desirable location, 84th & Havelock, is worth more than seeing the fair move to GI. Building something and keeping it in Lincoln don't even seem like an option at this point. "

 dump it, wrote on March 26, 2008 9:53 am:
" the fair all together, if GI wants to spend the money on building their own, go for it, but the fair is expensive and the same old boring thing every year. I prefer to hit the smaller county fairs, there's no gate admission and they have the same stuff only smaller, they are actually more fun than that money pit they call the state fair. Oh and those of you who say I won't go if it's in GI, a lot of those people west of you have been saying the same thing about Lincoln for years. "

 stignob wrote on March 26, 2008 9:56 am:
" One only needs to look at this and what kind of jobs has this brought too Lincoln. Or what kind of costs UNL is burdening because of it? Just because you build it, doesn't mean they will come.
http://www.unebtechpark.com/ "

 Tired of the Arguing wrote on March 26, 2008 10:10 am:
" If GI wants it so bad. Let them have it. Maybe they can do a better job of running the Fair. "

 Lee wrote on March 26, 2008 10:11 am:
" Why is this so difficult? If the University cant pay for the land, then why is there even a question of the fair moving? If the U cant pay for it, then they dont get it. "

 Justice wrote on March 26, 2008 10:13 am:
" Sounds like Mayor Beutler took a cue from Omaha Mayor Fahey about how to push agendas on people without any comment. The people of Omaha are looking at a recall. I don't support a recall of Beutler, but it might help the city to find out what the citizens want. From my ear, it sounds like the Lancaster Events Center is a proper place with a lot going on for a State fair. "

 big fist wrote on March 26, 2008 10:16 am:
" State Fair is exactly that! It is for and about all residents of the state, not just Lincoln. If people don't want to drive to Grand Island, why expect them to drive here? I say move it to GI. Would you drive to GI if the university moved Memorial Stadium out there? I am sure you would. You big red fanatics would drive to Ogallala or even the moon to watch your beloved cornshuckers play football. "

 pam wrote on March 26, 2008 10:29 am:
" Didn't Mr. Beutler campaign on reducing the debt in Lincoln, balancing the budget and being fiscally responsible ? When he took office he announced a hiring freeze and offered early retirement pay outs to reduce expenses. Now it seems like every time I open the paper he is spending big bucks, making spending decisions without the councils knowledge and presenting proposals involving other entities without their knowledge. Is it any wonder the citizens of Lincoln don't trust city leaders ! Here's a thought - UNL wants the Fairgrounds property let them negotiate their own deal and pay for it. Let the two parties involved work it out. "

 Good wrote on March 26, 2008 10:46 am:
" You made your bed Lincoln with UNL and you let them run all over you with this grand technology park idea in an attempt to catch up with Omaha. It now has cost you the state fair and the revenue therefrom. I hope you are all proud of yourselves. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 26, 2008 10:49 am:
" GI is way too far? It is only 1 hour away. Western nebraska currently drives 3 to 4 hours to get to it now. They support the fair nomatter where it is, sounds like lincoln will only support it in lincoln. "

 fairgoer wrote on March 26, 2008 11:14 am:
" there isnt anything special about the fair or its location. its about the entertainment which could be just as good if not better in GI. any change will be better than the ho hum fairs of late. build it they will come "

 What about this wrote on March 26, 2008 11:19 am:
" If UNL cannot foot the entire bill then the new state fair should not be built. I can dream bigger than I can afford, but we cannot always get what we want. If the fair moves to GI then less people will visit the fair and it will become a failure. Lincoln needs the fair because it brings in tax dollars. I think we need to go back to the source of the problem being innovation park. It doesn't have to be a no, but maybe not right now. "

 $1.5 Billion wrote on March 26, 2008 11:43 am:
" According to the Univ of Nebraska Foundation website they have assets totaling $1.5 Billion yes Billion. They could pay for the new arena, the relocation of the fair, pay off the north stadium project and still have $1 billion left. "

 GI Joe wrote on March 26, 2008 12:37 pm:
" Nebraska is more than just Omaha and Lincoln and the STATE fair and the people of eastern NE should consider that. I'm sure the people of central NE and western NE would love to have the fair more centrally located. Other states are moving out of their capital city and into more viable areas. If people in Omaha and Lincoln say they will not attend the fair if in GI, I'm sure the attendance would remain unchanged or maybe increase, as new fair goers from the west and central NE would make up the difference. "

 Keep the Fair wrote on March 26, 2008 12:50 pm:
" Perlman says that UNL is not in a position to fork over $30 million. Well, the University needs to pay the appraised value of the Fair. The Fair is insured for $60 million, so it is at least worth that much. Perlman better get the facts straight. There is no way the Fairgrounds should be given to the University. If they want it they should pay for it. If the money is not there then keep the Fair at its current location. That is the cheapest option, NOT Grand Island as mitch_v said. The Fair will not succeed in Grand Island. Why don't you look at what the Consultants said that were hired to study the Fair. They said the Fair needs to be located in a site that has 300,000 people within 30 miles. Grand Island does not meet this requirement, so throw the Grand Island site out. Lincoln does meet this requirement. The simple solution is to keep the Fair where it is and build the Research Park on the University's own property. I agree that many common ordinary Nebraskans that I have talked with want to keep the Fair where it is. This does not mean that we do not support the University. It just means that the University has no right to kick the Fair out. This should be the end of it. "

 Joe wrote on March 26, 2008 1:02 pm:
" I am in a position to be in contact with many people in the Lincoln/Omaha area. I have yet to find one who will go to GI to attend a fair. So that leaves only one conclusion: Since the majority of fair goers are from the eastern part of the state, move the fair and it will die a slow death and be diminished to a county fair. Maybe the fair board has not read their own consultant's report which stated that the fair needed to be in a high population area to have a chance to survive. Maybe their spending of $150,000. for a report that is ignored is indicative of a larger problem with the fair board...are they fit to govern the fair? Wake up, fair board and put aside your past differences with the Lancaster Event Center. At the least, if you persist in moving the fair to GI, at least have the decency to call it "The Central Nebraska Fair" and do not soil the proud name and traditions of the Nebraska State Fair. Lincoln interests may need to develop the racetrack at the Lancaster Center and perhaps improve the Lancaster fairgrounds to cover the loss ot the state fair. Then we in the eastern part of the state could have the "Eastern Nebraska Fair" There is a need in Lincoln for an event center. Will the State Fair be a part of it? "

 From Omaha wrote on March 26, 2008 1:14 pm:
" Sorry, but nobody in Omaha cares about where the fair is located, other than a few. Why do people keep saying that people in Omaha go to the fair and keep it alive? Everyone in Omaha goes to the Iowa state fair if they want entertainment. Ours is a joke and needs to be abolished, and that will free up money for other possibilities. "

 Save Fair wrote on March 26, 2008 2:15 pm:
" The Fair will be improved if the decision is made to keep it at its current site. Our State Fair needs some support to fix up the buildings. The Iowa State Fair gets millions of dollars in support each year, so it is no wonder the Iowa State Fair is good. "From Omaha" should consider that before they comment. All agricultural states have a State Fair. Just so you know Nebraska is an Agricultural State. So doing away with the Fair is not an option. There are many people who attend the Fair from Lincoln and Omaha. These people will not attend if the Fair is in Grand Island. I also doubt if Eastern Nebraska Farmers will go to Grand Island for 2 big events within a couple of weeks of each other. The 2 events would be Husker Harvest Days and the proposed State Fair there. I submit that the Farmers will go the Husker Harvest Days, but not the Fair in Grand Island. Consider that before you vote to move the Fair!!! "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 26, 2008 2:30 pm:
" Let me be the first to say the I Will go to the fair in GI and I am from the metro. "

 perhaps too obvious wrote on March 26, 2008 2:59 pm:
" There are several problems besides just the location. The timing of the current fair is one concern. Has anyone on those committees considered that the best way to get people to a FAMILY-FRIENDLY event is to have it when families can get there? Having the fair during the early weeks of the school year is ridiculous. I agree that the marketing change over recent years has been better than in the past. Nevertheless, you can market till you're blue in the face and it won't be effective if people aren't available (or are too responsible to pull their kids out of school) to come to the fair.

If the fair moves to 84th and Havelock, will we not be in the same dilemma for space 10 years from now? What's wrong with putting the fair alongside the interstate so people will stop and attend?? This just seems too obvious!

Lincoln is the only city I've ever known of that seems to be ashamed of the interstate. We bost the biggest eyesore in the state (the old Rosewood Motel at the Cornhusker exit) and most who pass through believe that Lincoln is not friendly to visitors. If this city is really serious about making this a STATE fair, it needs to be easily accessed by its residents and paid by the residents of this state. Lincoln residents should not be left holding the bag on this...what a way to make an event unpopular! "

 not me wrote on March 26, 2008 3:08 pm:
" i WILL NOT go to the state fair if it is in GI. also... isnt the state fair usually around the same time as husker football? I wonder what that would do for attendance on the weekend... many people come to lincoln for the husker game and then also attend the fair "

 Josh wrote on March 26, 2008 3:29 pm:
" A few things:

How much did Harvey pay Callahan and Peterson in contract buyouts? It was over $5 million total, right? That's nearly 1/5 of all the money that was being asked of UNL.

Now I realize that the sports teams at UNL are funded differently than the academics, but still, that was money just thrown away, due to bad hiring and leadership.

To those not willing to go to Grand Island, grow up! It's slightly over an hour to get there, and you have a full days' entertainment. You honestly can't drive one hour to spend the day with your family? What are you going to do instead, watch TV?

All Lincoln has done is proven that it can run a good thing into the ground. Not that Grand Island would be any better. I personally think that Kearney would run it much better than anywhere in Nebraska.

And to those bashing the Mayor: At least he's trying!! And it isn't a 'decision' as one ignorant poster made it out to be, it was a suggestion. A compromise.

I'm so happy I moved away from all the whiny Nebraskans that have nothing better to do than complain about things. I know, complaining about the complainers in pretty sweet hypocrisy, but someone had to say something. "

 All is fair in love and war wrote on March 26, 2008 3:49 pm:
" Raise the white flag already! Surrender, please! 84th Street is soon to be an even more congested mess. There is no way that street could handle state fair traffic. I would love to see statistics on the number of fender benders and more serious wrecks that occur monthly between 0 Street and Cornhusker Highway. And as the traffic increases with Hy-Vee and Wal-Mart, the wrecks will increase. 84th Street is a nightmare for drivers every day of the week. I still can't believe the mayor and others have continued to push that one ridiculous location. Congratulations to Grand Island! Eastern Nebraskans don't attend the fair in high enough numbers, anyway. Look at the attendance for Husker Harvest Days--people will go to GI for the state fair. Lincoln's arguments for keeping the fair were week and unproven. Is that white flag waving yet? "

 oh for wrote on March 26, 2008 3:59 pm:
" I can't believe this i won't go if you move it stuff. How old are you? Just because we are an ag state does not mean we HAVE to have a state fair, where is that law written? I kinda like the idea one of you put up, that of having central ne fair, eastern ne fair. That's the way Montana is, the Western montana fair in Missoula does quite well. Oh and you should see the location of the Alaska State fair, Palmer Alaska, population 8000 max and 45 miles north of Anchorage, the largest metro area in the state. Traffic to that fair is bumper to bumper. You just have to make the thing fun and affordable,worth traveling for and it should do ok anywhere in the state. "

 For move to GI wrote on March 26, 2008 4:55 pm:
" The area near 84th and Havelock floods. During the 1993 floods, that entire sector was under water. 84th street was blocked off, and a person couldn't even get to Cornhusker. How soon do people forget. Do we have a better location in Lincoln or perhaps GI is the best solution? "

 Dan wrote on March 26, 2008 7:37 pm:
" If pearlman wants the land so bad have him get his checkbook out and start writing.
No GI is not the place for the Nebraska State Fair.
It belongs in State Fair Park. where it is now ^ no
Perlman isn't about to write any check and I am not
going to the fair in GI
t "

 GramMar wrote on March 26, 2008 7:46 pm:
"
What a bunch of whiners some of you Lincoln folks are.."if it goes to GI, I won't go anymore" boo hoo! How about the rest of Nebraska and a bit of convenience for them...how long have the folks west of Lincoln had to drive east for many activities. I totally support GI getting the State Fair! By the way, I live in Omaha, and will probably go to GI to the fair. "

 HerbyHomie wrote on March 26, 2008 8:08 pm:
" Too all the people who think GI is too far to drive.... please slow down shut up, grow a pair... and pull you head out of your asses...
maybe a drive to western NE "only an hour or two" will cut down on state funded psychlogy/psychiatric care......by the way, I think there will be a fair amount of revenue coming into grand island=) "

 Chris wrote on March 26, 2008 9:26 pm:
" Geez,

Let GI have the darn thing. If it means that UNL gets the fairgrounds to expand and develop an R & D park then its a steal for Lincoln. This allows Lincoln to develop a vibrant competitive economy for the next century, let the cow pokes in western NE wallow in the mud and manure. You can have it folks. "

 Jim wrote on March 26, 2008 10:22 pm:
" I love how people that are for moving the fair and say it is such a rip off, nothing new, same old boring crap......DANO haven't been there in years. If you don't go or haven't gone in years then shut up, your uninformed! People are blaming the fair board for being the problem, crying about this and that, well what has UNL and the city of Lincoln been doing the past year. If they don't get there way they are going to die.....wawawa. UNL isn't going anywhere, but if the fair goes I say so should all the state games, Lincoln doesn't deserve them. Don't forget Lincoln, it is the teams from outstate that are filling your hotels and those same people come to the fair. "

 meet chris beutler wrote on March 26, 2008 10:31 pm:
" known from now on as the lincoln mayor who lost the state fair. "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on March 26, 2008 11:23 pm:
" While many of you "won't be attending the fair" in GI, there will be many many people in GI, Kearney, Hastings and that will be attending that don't currently go to it.

To all those who think that GI will attract fewer people because "most of the attendees are from Lincoln and Omaha" are simply missing a major point. By moving the fair to GI you will get less Lincoln and Omaha people, but you'll gain more GI, Kearney, Hastings, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and all the little towns between.

Do those populations add up to Lincoln's? Absolutely not. But those are also people who would really get behind a State Fair. To most people in Lincoln and Omaha the Fair is an afterthought. To people in Grand Island is would be a city wide event. You would have a much larger turnout on a percentage basis.

Plus, the whole nature of the State Fair is something that really resonates with the people of "out-state" Nebraska (pardon that term). Plus, lets keep in mind its the "State" Fair...not the Lincoln or Omaha Fair. And why is it okay for people in GI to drive 90 minutes to the fair, but that's an unacceptable option for you??

Maybe its time to give someone else a shot!

"

 Jake wrote on March 27, 2008 9:08 am:
" Lincoln, we all need to realize that the so called cowpokes and hicks west of Lincoln are also the ones that come to the state games and UNL football games here. If giving up the state fair for a R&D Park is going to be such a great thing I say stop and look at the big picture. Turning away people from western Nebraska that attend the state fair is just poor PR. How long can Lincoln survive with out people coming to town. If we tell the state fair to go away how long before everything else moves. Granted Lincoln needs to look for other economic avenues. Who do you think is going to support a new areana here. Who is going to fill our hotels and eat in our establishments. We can't do it on our own Lincoln. I am not a big fan of the fair myself, I do attend, but Lincoln needs it. Why are towns like GI, Kearney, Columbus, Hastings and Norfolk growing, because they look at the big picture. They accept everyone, they have the attitude that a dollar is a dollar and they want everyone they can get. If we think that foresaking one for the other is the right thing to do we are getting on shaky ground. How long will western Nebraska want to keep coming to Lincoln when we keep saying they don't matter. UNL is in the same boat, they want the kids to attend school there yet do they stop to think who is paying for tuition and where these kids are from. Why would anyone from western Nebraska want to send there kids or support anyplace that constantly tells them they don't matter and calls them names "cowpokes, hicks". Many posters really show Lincoln in a very very poor light with arrogant and elitest comments. I sure know that if someone constantly tells me I am not welcome I am going to stay away. "

 Rob wrote on March 27, 2008 9:06 pm:
" Wake Up people,get your head out of the sand,you can post all the comments you want,and complain all you want,you are not going to change anything,Don't you get it yet?Your Mayor,Council,and Lincoln Senators don't run anything in Lincoln.The 2015 Group and the University run this town,you have elected the most pathetic leadership Lincoln has ever had,Nantkes has been an embarrasment from day one,Avery and Raikes are wanna be vision group members,Perlman should have been fired along with Peterson and Callahan,Chris is just plain lost and confused by all of this,so are you starting to get it,The Rich Guys come out with what they want,They always get it,and you always pay for it,By the way Perlman,I wish you put half this effort into building enough dorm rooms,so the students would not have to sleep in the hallways at the start of school,give them the skyboxes to sleep in,without them,you would probably be a councilman, "

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