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Ag Committee favors moving fair to G.I.

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By MELISSA LEE and ART HOVEY / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 - 10:41:52 pm CDT

Progress at last.

A legislative committee on Monday approved a compromise on the future home of the State Fair that its members hope will appease each dueling party in a very public, very heated 18-month-old battle.

By a 7-1 vote, the Agriculture Committee advanced a bill that would move the fair from its century-old location in Lincoln to Grand Island within two years at a cost of $42 million.

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What they’re saying

Reaction to the Agriculture Committee’s Monday recommendation to move the State Fair to Grand Island so the University of Nebraska can build a research campus on the current fairgrounds:

NU President J.B. Milliken:

“Today, the Agriculture Committee made an important decision about Nebraska’s future. By voting to make property next to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln available for a research and development campus, the committee recognized that the best use of this land is to encourage innovation, research and private investment that can create new jobs for Nebraska...

“The State Fair and the University of Nebraska are two historic and important institutions. I am confident that a State Fair in Grand Island will showcase the best of Nebraska agriculture, industry, commerce and the arts. The university has been, and will continue to be, actively involved in many aspects of the fair, including our 4-H program that serves more than 120,000 young people...

“We encourage the full Legislature to act favorably on this legislation.”

Gov. Dave Heineman:

“This presents an opportunity of a lifetime to do two very important things for our state. By moving the State Fair to Grand Island, we now have an opportunity to rejuvenate and modernize the State Fair, while freeing up space for the University of Nebraska to embark on the building of a research and innovation park that can help create high-paying jobs for Nebraskans.”

Mayor Chris Beutler:

“The Agriculture Committee’s decision to allow State Fair Park to become the new Innovation Park is a victory for Lincoln’s economic future. It will attract cutting-edge business that provide good wages and good jobs to our children and the generations that follow. The Innovation Park will be a shining example of what the State of Nebraska and Lincoln can become.

“We continue to believe Lincoln’s future has room for both the Innovation Park and the State Fair. It is clear from the consultant’s report that the fair’s future vitality is best served in Lincoln. That’s why we continue to push to keep the fair in the Capital City.

“However, the governor and the Legislature control the situation by virtue of the state’s ownership of State Fair Park. They have made their initial preferences clear. In the event the full Legislature decides the fair must go to Grand Island, we will respect that decision.”

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Who's going to pay?

The Legislature's Agriculture Committee on Monday advanced a bill that calls for spending $42 million to move the State Fair to Fonner Park in Grand Island.

* $21.5 million from the University of Nebraska. The NU Foundation would contribute to part of that, NU President J.B. Milliken said, but he said he didn't know how much.

* $8.5 million from Grand Island, some of which would come from private sources.

* $7 million from the State Fair Board

* $5 million from the State of Nebraska

That figure includes $21.5 million from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $5 million from the state.

If passed, the bill — finalized this weekend under the leadership of ag committee chairman Sen. Phil Erdman of Bayard — will clear the way for the University of Nebraska to convert the north-Lincoln fairgrounds into a research and development campus.

The full Legislature now has 10 working days to consider the bill, which was applauded by Gov. Dave Heineman, NU President J.B. Milliken and Cindy Johnson, executive director of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

It was met with less enthusiasm by fair officials, who reacted to Monday’s news with a mixture of relief, regret and determination to put on the best fair possible, no matter its address.

Fair Board President Jerry Fitzgerald of Gering was careful to sprinkle the word “if” into virtually every consequence of moving.

“I think the big thing, we prefer to stay where we’re at,” Fitzgerald said, “and I’ve made no bones about that. But it’s been so difficult to try to do anything at the fairgrounds with the university, with the pressure the university put on and some of the city people.

“I don’t want to say all of them, but certain members of the Lincoln community. And we’ve not been able to do some things we’ve wanted to do out there.”

In moving to Grand Island, the fair board would leave behind buildings insured for $72 million.

“That is its replacement value,” he said. “And so, when they say the university is only going to have to pay $21.5 million, in my mind, they’re short.”

In becoming the Ag Committee’s favorite option, Grand Island had to up its proposed cash contribution from $5 million to $8.5 million.

Johnson said that money would come from a combination of public and private sources.

Although obviously in an upbeat mood, Johnson did not sound bowled over by the committee vote. “It was in line with where we thought this was headed as we inch along toward our goal.”

Contingency plans are in place for construction to begin about as quickly as the full Legislature acts on a financing package, if necessary, Johnson said.

Barney Cosner, executive director of the fair, said a key development that gave the Grand Island plan traction, beyond its promoters’ careful attention to detail, was the stated preference of officials from the Lancaster Event Center.

As a prospective neighbor to a fair at 84th and Havelock in Lincoln, they didn’t want to board race horses during the horse-racing season now hosted at State Fair Park. That’s because they said they needed the space for their own horse show venues.

After that Feb. 26 development, said Cosner, “it didn’t take long to narrow the field.”

Monday’s compromise capped a passionate debate over the fair’s future that began 1½ years ago, when a group of Lincoln business leaders called 2015 Vision proposed moving the fair to the event center so NU could build a research park just north of its City Campus.

As the university and 2015 Vision pushed for a move, members of the State Fair Board strongly resisted, saying relocation would be too costly.

With Grand Island stepping up its pitch to host the fair, Lincoln mounted a fight to keep it. When the fair board rejected the event center option, Mayor Chris Beutler floated a plan to move the fair to an alternative site in Lincoln, saying there’s room in the Capital City for both the fair and the research park.

Beutler continues to believe that, saying in a prepared statement: “It is clear from the consultant’s report that the fair’s future viability is best served in Lincoln.”

But Fonner Park in Grand Island is now the clear front-runner, with Johnson saying her city could be ready to host the fair in two years.

To foot the $42 million bill, NU would be responsible for $21.5 million. Part of that would come from the NU Foundation, Milliken said.

Grand Island would contribute $8.5 million, the fair board would contribute $7 million and the state would chip in $5 million.

That investment would pave the way for what NU calls Nebraska Innovation Park, a public-private development supporters say would create high-paying jobs, speed technological advances and stimulate the state’s economy.

If the Legislature approves LB1116, specific planning on the research campus would begin immediately, Milliken said.

“That’s what we have been waiting for, and that’s a very exciting development for Nebraska,” he said.

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman called Monday’s development “a major step forward.”

“I’m very pleased that there is at least a prospect of the university acquiring State Fair Park,” he said.

But Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber, who cast the lone vote against the bill, said NU hasn’t convinced him a research park would be a financial success.

Beyond tentative drawings, the university hasn’t offered specifics on its plans for Innovation Park, Karpisek said. And he believes NU hasn’t shown enough initiative exploring alternative locations for a research campus.

“That has kind of irritated me throughout this whole process,” he said.

Karpisek also said he’d vowed all along to support keeping the fair where it is, as that was the cheapest option.

Perlman says the university would be presumptuous to develop specific plans for land it doesn’t yet have. And Milliken said NU has looked at numerous examples of research campuses across the nation and concluded that the most successful are located next door to a school’s main campus.

“We are confident that (Innovation Park) will be a success, or we wouldn’t be investing in this in terms of time and resources,” Milliken said.

Tonn Ostergard, a member of 2015 Vision, admitted disappointment the fair isn’t headed to the event center but said he’s “thrilled” Innovation Park is one step closer to becoming a reality.

“That’s the victory we really need to focus on,” he said.

Lawmakers hope all parties are taking a similar approach.

Shepherding a compromise in the State Fair debate proved so tough, in fact, that Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha suggested Erdman now head to Washington to help President Bush bring about peace in the Middle East.

Erdman’s wry response: “It may be easier to negotiate the issue in Iraq than this one.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com. Reach Art Hovey at 473-7223 or ahovey@journalstar.com.


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mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 11:06 am:
" The fair is dying in lincoln. Give it a fighting chance somewhere else. "

 Upset wrote on March 31, 2008 11:32 am:
" I think the state fair should be left right where it is, there is nothing wrong with this area. Ths university has enough room in this town. Moving the fair to GI is just dumb, have you seen their crime rate, if it noves Lincoln and the fair is in for a RUDE awakening, I don't think near the amount of people will go, I for one will not drive from Lincoln to GI to spend my money, I would much rather drive somewhere else to enjoy something like that, moving it to the even center is also a dumb idea, the North side of town isn't built for that traffic nor does the even center have enough parking. HELLO Lincoln lets wake up & realize what we are doing here. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 11:35 am:
" Why don't we discuss how we are going to fix the fair reguardless of where it is located. "

 rac wrote on March 31, 2008 11:57 am:
" I personally could care less where the Fair goes, but it needs to go. UNL can develop that area so that in the long-run, it is much more probable and advantageous to Neb. To the crowd that says "why can't UNL build somewhere else?", it has been said ad nauseum on here that technology parks function best when they are CLOSEST TO THE UNIVERSITY. Apparently, not many people read or they just read the headline and start blogging away without reading the article content. My guess is it's some of both. "

 Joe wrote on March 31, 2008 12:07 pm:
" mitchy_v has a good point. Just moving the fair without a plan to fix it is just moving the problems. Moving to a location where the attendance numbers are questionable at best just adds to the overall problems. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Location and tradition aside, give them a REASON to come, and they will. Lincon, Grand Island, whereever. Slow down and look at the pros and cons of each site.
I see a far greater benifit to the state with the research park at the fairgrounds as rac mentioned. 84th street is in a floodplain and not a cheap fix. Grand Island has some of the inferstructure in place and is the cheapest solution, but the numbers Could be an issue. Don't forget numbers are an issue currently in lincoln. You only need enough people to suppore the size of fair you are having. Think if the fair in GI would only bring in 200k people but only cost half as much to run. Would that be considered a failure? "

 Fair fan wrote on March 31, 2008 12:57 pm:
" It wouldn't matter where they move it, GI or 84th & Holdrege, they're already cutting the estimate to move it from $175 million to $30 million. They'll put up a few new metal buildings, put in an extra crushed rock parking place or two and call it new. If Lincoln wants it moved, then they need to pay the full $175 million projected to make it a place where people will be able to go. I would bet the UNL wouldn't build there beloved research park without full funding. Why short change the fair just because you don't go. "

 oh well wrote on March 31, 2008 2:07 pm:
" i will not attend the fair in GI... along with many others i know of "

 Realization wrote on March 31, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Folks, you need to realize it will take time to bring the fair back to life. Based on Husker days I am sure GI can do it but it will take time.
GOOD LUCK GI "

 Unbelievable wrote on March 31, 2008 2:22 pm:
" We get our gas taxes raised, AGAIN, but yet the State, UNL, Fair Board and anyone else can find millions of dollars to stroke their egos and move the State Fair. What happens to the horse race track at the State Fair? I suppose the next thing to go will be the Devaney Sports Arena. Instead of moving it, if that's the decision, I think they should just forget about the whole thing, what a total waste of $$$. I think Nebraska voters should get to decide. "

 Good wrote on March 31, 2008 2:28 pm:
" I hope you are happy Lincoln. You have gone all in with UNL and you've lost the fair. Good for you Lincoln. You had better hope that UNL makes up that revenue for you immediately. "

 Jack Brass wrote on March 31, 2008 2:30 pm:
" Call your senator and let them know how you feel. I for one am for the state fair staying in Lincoln and for the Innovation park in Lincoln. I think that UNL and the State Fair Board have both been intractable in their conversations. UNL wants what it wants and the State Fair Board seems to be mistaking the cows for the herd. UNL should be developing the land adjacent to it (the Cushman building is going to be a HUGE EYESORE next to the Antelope Valley redevelopment). The State Fair should evolve their product into something that has more relevancy to todays world (and not just 4 H). With all of the tech saavy that farmers and ranchers have gained in the last 20 years (tech geekiness that leaves most of us in the dust) Nebraska should have more of an exposition of ideas and not depend on quilts, pies, pigs, and goats to provide a reason to go to the fair. I think if most people could see what our ag economy is really doing with GPS and targeted crop management they would be blown away. Both UNL and the State Fair Board are too stick within their world views to be successful in these goals that they have set. "

 PW wrote on March 31, 2008 2:43 pm:
" I won't be going to G.I. But I will continue to go to
Iowa, Tx. & Indiana fairs. Build the research center,
Lincoln needs some more white elephants to break the backs of the taxpayers. People from other states keep
saying theres nothing to stop in Lincoln for, and they say Nebraska will steal you wallet, you want to stay out of that place, well now theres even going to be less.
Past due time to sell out and move!!!!!! Its only going
to get worse folks!!! "

 Happy in Lincoln wrote on March 31, 2008 2:44 pm:
" I have never once attended the State Fair and I could care less if they move the fair. It is an eye sore to the Lincoln Community. The financial benefits of a Research Park for the University over the State Fair would be a logical choice for a state often over budget. Whether the state fair works in Grand Island is hard to say, but the sale of the land to the University would be hard to pass up, it could create development, economic growth, and a future in Lincoln. A move for the State Fair could possibly help Grand Island in similar ways. It may be time for Lincoln give some things up. "

 mark wrote on March 31, 2008 2:46 pm:
" The 21st Century is in view. Thank you for your leadership on facilitating the next steps toward Innovation Park. "

 Fredly wrote on March 31, 2008 2:48 pm:
" It's about time. How much time and tax dollars did it take to figure that out. Bye bye State Fair. Personally...I won't miss it! "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 2:50 pm:
" Take a look at what is already in place for Fonner Park on Google Maps. There are paved parking lots, water park, golf course, horse track, animal barns and room for all of the new buildings. Unlike the current site, you could have all of the livestock in one area and all of the venders in another. At the fair grounds you have the horses and pigs on one side, and cattle and sheep on the other. You have Devaney on one end, and the Industrical Arts builing at the other. You can't change the layout of the current fairgrounds. "

 RK wrote on March 31, 2008 2:52 pm:
" They are just forcing more adults to go to the casinos
and give Iowa their money!! Theres nothing to do in
Lincoln and the will be even less. "

 western neb wrote on March 31, 2008 3:02 pm:
" There will be many of us that will be able to now go if it is moved to Grand Island. Now you can't, now we can. Call it even. "

 fair is dead wrote on March 31, 2008 3:06 pm:
" time of death, 2pm. no way the fair survives in GI. there will be terrible attendance, and the people that do attend, aren't going to be spending any money. advertising and sponsorship will be down a bunch. are there even enough hotels around if people do show up? chalk it, this idea is doomed to fail. hopefully the full legislature will vote this proposal down. i like the idea of a research park, but the fair needs to stay here to make it. "

 Jasper wrote on March 31, 2008 3:06 pm:
" I think this would be good for the fair - Grand Island does one heck of a job with Harvest Husker Days. I know they don't officially put it one, but they have the infrastructure to handle it. Plus it is more central for all parts of the state. The western interest have traveled 4-6 hours for long enough - to hear Lincolnites say a 90 minute drive is "way too far" is ludicrous. They've had it too good for too long. Western Nebraska is cheering Grand Island on! "

 Jeff wrote on March 31, 2008 3:08 pm:
" Crime, traffic, and even population centers are NOT the basis to make a decision. You could have a smaller fair, but higher quality. That is what seems likely. So if 90 miles is too far for you to drive - I would say stay home. Maybe we have 25 food vendors instead of 100. So what? Maybe the Midway will be slightly smaller (and less expensive) - that would be OK. But what would likely prosper and improve is the focus on all of Nebraska - including FFA and 4-H participation. You will attract more rural folks - that will be exhibitors - not just spectators. It all makes sense. Now I just hope that Lincoln can support the event center and our own county fair continue to grow and develop without complaining every step of the way about that. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on March 31, 2008 3:10 pm:
" The university simply doesn't have the money to develop a research park, absent a huge infusion of cash from the state, which is extremely unlikely. If this works at all, it will be done the same way most University of Nebraska development is done; half-baked, with an inadequate budget. Meanwhile, existing UN programs will be squeezed and foundation accounts drained dry, just to put a struggling research park together.

The research park would be a fine idea, were the state willing and able to pay for it. In my opinion, neither is true.

Meanwhile, there is no way the state fair will get the same attendance in GI it gets in Lincoln.

All in all, a lose-lose proposition. Let's hope the legislature votes it down.

"

 Realist wrote on March 31, 2008 3:15 pm:
" The sooner it moves the better. Lincolnites don't care anymore, and the Nebraska State Fair is lame anyway. So why not have it in a lame hillbilly town?

Good luck G.I. Do your best with the glorified county fair, formerly known as the Nebraska State Fair. "

 Taxpayer wrote on March 31, 2008 3:15 pm:
" It is really too bad that the powers to be can't work together. The state fair needs to stay where it is.. UNL could build its research park west of the Haymarket and the 2015 group could build their Ice Rink, Covention Center, Hotel, and parking garages at the State
Fair Grounds. The research park would be a perfect fit for downtown Lincoln. This would also stimulate growth on west O street. The state fair grounds would be used year round. Lincoln would still be receiving the revenue.

To all you negative types who don't want the state fair or don't want to drive to it, just get over it. You think it is perfectly fine for everyone else to drive to you. 150 west is the same as 150 east. "

 jtf wrote on March 31, 2008 3:17 pm:
"

the people of G.I. and the large number of small towns around the area will more than make up for all the upset people in lincoln that wont go b/c its no longer convenient. The tri-cities will support the state fair the way lincoln used to 25yrs ago. I Live in lincoln and I will be making the SHORT drive to G.I. for the fair

it is only a one hour drive to G.I. from lincoln. Not as far as some think. and how many of you drive 45mins to Omaha once a week or even daily? why cant you drive an extra 15mins to G.I. to support Nebraska?
"

 maybe... wrote on March 31, 2008 3:22 pm:
" lincoln and omaha people need to consider that there is part of this state to the west. i am not 100% behind this move, but i am not going to say it is b/c i won't go because it is grand island. i will support this fair wherever. i just wish it could have stayed here for the benefits to the city. but in a way i think it is finally a tribute to what else is in this state. "

 this really is a sad day wrote on March 31, 2008 3:32 pm:
" I am very disappointed in this decision. I will probably not attend the State Fair again. So much for tradition. Everyone will be sorry in this decision. I don't know why they wouldn't let the people decide by a vote or are they afraind of what they might find out? "

 Not going wrote on March 31, 2008 3:39 pm:
" I will not attend the fair in Grand Island either. It is nothing against GI, it is just too small. I live in Lincoln so I may be big-city biased, but I was also raised in a town of 2,000 people. The only feasible alternative to Lincoln is Omaha. I would drive to Omaha to go to the Fair because it is closer to Lincoln and most importantly, I can do other stuff in Omaha. Once again, not a knock on GI but it is too isolated and small to warrant the trip. How many Nebraskans are willing to take their family on a long road trip to Grand Island? I'm just thinking logically. "

 Terry wrote on March 31, 2008 3:59 pm:
" Again, what UNL wants, UNL gets, and the tax payers are going to take another beating on something that will never turn a profit, and will continue to cost more and more long into the future. I'll be happy to attend the fair in GI and spend my money there. By letting itself be dictated to by UNL and a select rich few, Lincoln gets exactly what it deserves: More lost income and higher taxes. "

 mike wrote on March 31, 2008 4:01 pm:
" Good, seems like they need to combine Husker Harvest Days with the fair and that will make it a success. The Fair's demise was when they cut out the AG events from the fair. "

 I had no idea wrote on March 31, 2008 4:09 pm:
" people still went to the fair but teenager and old people. I mean seriously why would you want to ride old outdated rides and pay for the most nasty unhealthy food ever? Oh and don't forget about the carnies! I say move it and let all the people who say "move it where people actually care about it" deal with it! Have fun with a small budget! "

 heather wrote on March 31, 2008 4:13 pm:
" glad I went while it was still here, i would never drive to the middle of nebraska for a fair. there is no one out there..who will go? "

 Who cares? wrote on March 31, 2008 4:14 pm:
" We went to the fair every year in Lincoln. I can say for certain we will never drive to Grand Island to see the fair....the fair will die a slow death in G.I. after one or two years of decent attendance....just as Omaha people won't come to Lincoln except for football, nobody from Omaha or Lincoln is going to go to Grand Island for the fair - it just doesn't work that way. "

 Doug Beckman wrote on March 31, 2008 4:32 pm:
" I think moving the fair from Lincoln to Grand Island is a BIG mistake on the financial side of the issue. I grew up in Lincoln and attended the Fair as much as I could and in doing so, spent lots of money. By moving the Fair to Grand Island I really feel that it will be a big financial loss, as many Lincoln families will forgo going to the Fair as the travel expenses will be to much for Lincoln and Omaha families for that matter also.
But then in this BIG money world that we now live in and the fact that it is the "MIGHTY" University of Nebraska that is involved here, I guess something as out dated as the State Fair doe's NOT Matter any longer. The State Fair in Lincoln is part of Nebraska History, and I feel that moving it would destroy that piece of History. "

 JB wrote on March 31, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Where will Grand Island get their money? There will be no reason other then to see and show animals. Grand Island doesn't not have the population, the retail, hotels, or resturants to make the fair attractive to most people. It does have a horse track, but that can be replaced my off-track video. "

 Charlie wrote on March 31, 2008 4:34 pm:
" Fonner Park is NOT BIG enough to have the fair moved to G.I. What are you senators and ag committet talking about. "

 MaizeDr wrote on March 31, 2008 4:38 pm:
" I don't go to the fair and I live in Lincoln. A research park is a better use of the land adjacent to UNL. "

 Bill wrote on March 31, 2008 4:46 pm:
" The Fair should just go away. I have not been for about 15-20 years. The majority of the Fair is nothing more than a giant garage sale or flea market. There are a bunch of vendors selling junk at an inflated price. If you get rid of all of that and return it to an Agricultural Fair, then maybe it is worth saving at a lot smaller scale. "

 Galen wrote on March 31, 2008 4:46 pm:
" Great Job! FINALLY the Unicameral got it right. Now if the WHOLE body votes for moving the Fair to GI, then we can get on with it and build a better fair. I live in SE Nebraska and REFUSE to attend what the State Fair has become. Grand Island is the best choice BY FAR. Sure, a few Lincolnites will be mad and won't want to attend, but MANY more Nebraskans WILL go to the fair in GI.
Good Job, Unicameral - let's make it a "Done Deal"! "

 Great Choice wrote on March 31, 2008 4:49 pm:
" Grand Island is a GREAT choice... Moving it away from Lincoln will be a boost to the fair. Lincoln treated the fairgoers like they were in the way, so having it in a town that wants the fair will be a GREAT IMPROVEMENT!!!!!!!!!!! "

 Ask us wrote on March 31, 2008 4:53 pm:
" Why don't we let the people of lincoln and the state vote. Our representatives don't really share the opinion of the voters that they are speaking for. Ask the people that attend the fair where they want it and if they are willing to pay for it. "

 Real Reason wrote on March 31, 2008 4:53 pm:
" The real reason that people say they won't go to the fair if it is moved is simple. It is the laziness of not wanting to drive and the arrogance of Lincoln and Omaha people thinking they shouldn't have to ever leave Lincoln or Omaha. They forget that there's a lot more state than just them. Yes, they make up a large population, so what? That gives them an excuse never to have to leave Lincoln or Omaha. Western Nebraska people (which isn't people from Kearney, Hastings, or G.I. because that's not western Nebraska even though many people think it is.) have to travel several times a year to Lincoln and Omaha. This isn't an hour and half trip its anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. And yet people from Lincoln won't drive an 1 hr. 15 minutes to support the state fair. Way to be self centered Lincoln and Omaha. Not going because you actually have to drive west a little ways is a piss poor excuse not to support the state fair if it moves. That's pure arrogance and laziness. "

 Lincoln 4-Her wrote on March 31, 2008 5:00 pm:
" Because of my involvement in 4-H, i have attended the fair for the past six years to see my state exhibits as well as participate in other 4-H events. I will continne to go the the state fair as long as I exhibit there. However as soon as my final two years of 4-H are complete I know that my family and I would not make the trip to G.I. for the fair. If this is the case for me, how many of Lincoln other 250,000+ residents will feel the same way? Can G.I.'s population of less than 50,000 make up that difference? "

 Harley wrote on March 31, 2008 5:21 pm:
" Come see the big fight,heavyweight vs lightweight,Oh,it's already over,in the first minute of the first round,the lightweight knocked out the heavyweight cold,good job Cindy Johnson,wish Lincoln had someone just half as sharp as you in a leadership role "

 cu wrote on March 31, 2008 5:24 pm:
" Congratulations Grand Island. Hope you can do a better job with the fair and give us something worth attending.
Lincoln (or should I say the mayor?) believes the Research Park will be more profitable over the long-term. They'll need a dynamite person to lead the charge, hopefully they can find someone who has the right skill set. Otherwise they'll have lost the fair and failed to deliver on the research park. "

 Bob wrote on March 31, 2008 5:29 pm:
" So is 2015 responsible for all of this? The article makes it sound as though this was their big idea from the get go by stating "..when a group of Lincoln business leaders called 2015 Vision proposed moving the fair so UNL could build a research park just north of its City Campus."

So let me get this straight, a group of business leaders with a mission of making Lincoln's future vibrant is the one ultimately responsible for suggesting Lincoln move the fair, which has jeopordized the fair staying in Lincoln altogether. Now that doesn't sound right or fair (no pun intended) but appears to be realistic in what's actually taking place. Again, I certainly don't think that was the original intention, but the actual results makes it tough to see differently.
"

 Fred wrote on March 31, 2008 5:31 pm:
" Every buddy involved with Lincoln's loss of the State Fair should be removed from office.

The whole thing has been handled in an underhanded manner, IMO. Because of the way it has been shoved down our throats and even though I have nothing against Grand Island, I'll never go to the State Fair again.
"

 dave wrote on March 31, 2008 5:42 pm:
" Not being real smart in math, I can't understand why it is farther to drive from Lincoln to Grand Island than it is to drive from Grand Island to Lincoln. But being a country hick, I guess I should be happy to come to Lincoln and get honked for every state tournament, state fair, etc. You don't give a damn about any event unless you can make money off of outstate residents, end of story. "

 Observer wrote on March 31, 2008 5:53 pm:
" This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. As someone else noted, the fair was having trouble with attendance here in Lincoln. Moving it further away from the population center will just make that more of a challenge. I wonder what bands will be willing to book into the fair if it's 100 - 150 miles from the population center of nearly a million people. I see nothing more than many $$ sunk into a losing proposition. "

 Ken wrote on March 31, 2008 5:53 pm:
" I have enjoyed going to the state fair since I was little and now I don't know if I will ever go again. It's not arrogance or laziness-it just simply is not worth the 200 mile round trip it will take now-especially since they seem to want to return the fair to its ag roots. I(and a lot of other people) am not going to spend the admission cost and gas cost to go to a glorified ag expo.

Again-it's not anything to do with arrogance or laziness, it's called prioritizing your time and money. There are events I would drive 100 miles for-if the Huskers played 100 miles away, I would gladly drive that distance to watch them play, but going to the State Fair is just not worth it. Trust me, there are many people who feel the same way.

The legislature has signed the eventual death warrant for the State Fair. Common sense and logic tells us that the fair will not attract as many people in a smaller city away from the najor population centers of the state. Look at almost every other state-their State Fair is in or within about 50 miles or so of the major population centers of the state. The university, the state, the fair board, and the city of Grand Island are shelling out money to support an event that is going to die off. It's too bad our leaders don't have the foresight to see that. "

 horses!? wrote on March 31, 2008 6:06 pm:
" what about state fair park? will the horses still run there? "

 George wrote on March 31, 2008 6:11 pm:
" The fair board is bluffing they support the move to G.I. It's too bad there is bad blood between the AG So. and Tam Allen. I would like to see Tam move to G.I. and the fair move to 84th and Havelock. If the State fair moves to G.I. I see it merging with husker harvest days in ten years. "

 Crazy Idea. wrote on March 31, 2008 6:14 pm:
" Why would you move the fair away from the population? That's crazy!! You have more than 250,000 people who are a "captive audience" and another million less than 50 miles away. If you think the fair is dead at night during the week right now, wait until you move it to a city with a populations of what 40,000? I don't care if they move the site, but it needs to stay in Lincoln or close to it. Don't be stupid people...
Grand Island is not a good location! "

 Fair fan wrote on March 31, 2008 6:16 pm:
" Count me as another not exhibiting again or visiting the fair. Grand Island doesn't have any decent hotels or motels. We tried to stay twice at the Holiday Inn, paid for a handicapped accessible room, non smoking. It was a pig sty, small and smelled of cigarettes. Maybe they can use the motel to house the pigs when the fair is on, because it wasn't fit for a human. Way to go Lincoln. Hope the motels and hotels close in stinkn Lincoln. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 6:18 pm:
" Fonner Park isn't big enough??? The site in Grand Island has 251 acres, which is similar to State Fair Park. "

 concerned wrote on March 31, 2008 6:20 pm:
" There's a hidden adjenda here we are not seeing. Why fight so hard to attract people to Lincoln with other avenues and then just give away the Fair? Why can't inovation park be built elsewhere or incoperate both in the same area the fair is only a few weeks each year. I don't see what it is going to do for our community. Sorry if i missed that... I don't mean to be uninformed on that. Once the Fair leaves Lincoln it's gone. I'm not driving to GI to the fair... esp a fair that sucks. At least if it is here in Lincoln I'm not paying $3.24 a gallon to drive to a town that offers me less than Lincoln in the ways of food & shopping to a fair that needs improvment... NOT MOVING.We are giving away city revenue. The hotels, the resturants, fast food, gas stations, the mall etc will lose that extra revenue the out of town people bring. The Jobs that people have like security, etc. This is a recession we need every job and all the money we can get into Lincoln. Not drive it out!
"

 Yup wrote on March 31, 2008 6:25 pm:
" Sorry, you can forget horse racing in Lincoln. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 31, 2008 6:39 pm:
" Just a comparison, the Kansas State Fair is located in Hutchinson KS. That is the same size as Grand Island. It is 60mi (highway) from Wichita to Hutchinson. It is 90mi from Lincoln to Grand Island (interstate). The RURAL Kansas State Fair draws about 350,000 each year. "

 JR wrote on March 31, 2008 6:46 pm:
" The fair will die in G.I. !
Go ahead , move it & you will find out where the money was that supported the fair, SOUTHEAST Nebraska population.
You wont find many willing to take that drive ( esp. with gas prices as they are )
to spend money on an already over priced fair.
I hope the legislative committee feels proud of them selves when this goes under. "

 Brilliant wrote on March 31, 2008 6:55 pm:
" Sorry Western Nebraska, talk all you want about the arrogance of Omaha and Lincoln, but try to support yourselves without us. People are leaving rural Nebraska in droves - there is a very good reason why things tend to be in this part of the state, it's where the people and the wealth are. Don't like it? Move to a city.

For those in Lincoln who want to address the real culprits, it's not the city of Lincoln or the Mayor. It's the 2015 group. Go to their website (Google Lincoln 2015 and leave them a comment letting them know how you feel), then vote out every idiot Senator (including the Lincoln ones) who made this horrible decision, then feel free to email Harvey Perlman at UNL and J.B. Milliken at UNL to thank them for starting this whole mess.

The bullies at UNL are getting what they want, maybe it's time for the people of the city/state to do a little bullying back. UNL had other options, they just wanted it subsidized out of our pockets. Now with increasing gas taxes, they'll ask us to drive to the fair in GI (sorry, ain't gonna happen - people in GI better go 3 or 4 times apiece to make up for the attendance), and still find a way to make us pay for the "research park" which hasn't been fully conceptualized and for which there are no public commitments. There are some games being played here and political backgames that we don't know about. No doubt a bunch of new Senators (thanks again term limits) are going to fall right in line with what UNL wants. Lincoln is losing out - the research park will be years before it is beneficial, we'll lose the fair and the revenue, and the tradition of the Fair, 100 years worth, is down the drain. For what? "

 nemo wrote on March 31, 2008 7:00 pm:
" We just drove from Seward to GI,well, Alda, just to look at the sand hill cranes for heaven's flakes, I think I'd go for the state fair. I know I saw lots of license plates from other counties there at the same time. Some were even those douglas/lancaster/sarpy county plates. "

 More Brilliant wrote on March 31, 2008 7:29 pm:
" Lincoln has all the people, all of the money, yet they can't support a little fair. Good luck in keeping the fair. Move the fair to anywhere else. "

 Ken wrote on March 31, 2008 7:43 pm:
" Kansas State Fair is not a good comparison. They are an easy hour from Wichita. Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is bigger than Lincoln and closer to their state fair. To try to compare the situation of the Kansas State Fair is apples and oranges. "

 Attention to the bigger picture wrote on March 31, 2008 7:44 pm:
" Where ever city, community, town, the state fair ends up. Taxes in this state are way too much. What the state legislature should be focusing on is less centralization of population. I'm originally from a small town, right in the middle of the state. I live in Lincoln now, and everytime I go back "HOME" it depresses the heck out of me. My job allows me to see the property tax base throughout the state, along with median income levels in every county in Nebraska. The eastern third of the state carries the heavier burden due to the sparse population West of Kearney. Incentives should be given to large companies to build in smaller rural communities throughout the western part of the state. Give incentives to younger people to live in the rural areas to start new business. Allow the state fair to be more centrally located in an ag state. Kearney would be a more central choice, however, the larger population base is East of GI. AG Property taxes for the "corporate" farming entities, such as farms owned by two or more doctors', lawyers' etc. should be higher than that of the family farmers' trying to make a living off of the land. The way the tax laws are written, whether you are a single entity or a corporation, farmers get the largest tax breaks, which encourage corporations comprised of investors' to hedge gains from their much higher profitable primary career's to losses in agriculture. The tax laws currently were written for the family farmer, but taken advantage of by people that would'nt know one end of a horse, cow, hog, from another. It is time for change throughout the country. I'm a family farm kid that moved to the city, knowing that there is no money in raising a family on a farm as a business, which is sad!!! I can care less where the state fair goes, there are bigger issues to consider. Talk to your congressman-woman about that!!!! "

 Sell OUT wrote on March 31, 2008 7:48 pm:
" This is a Sell Out. I will not even think of going to GI for the fair. Neither will any major musical acts. UNL will get the land they want and the taxpayers will subsidize them. The city will lose income from people who come into town for the fair. The taxes will be raised to cover these losses.

If you are smart...Sell out and move from this state while you can. "

 JR wrote on March 31, 2008 7:49 pm:
" Just remember, if this move to GI happens, it is not the fault of Vision 2015, the Lincoln mayor, nor UNL if the fair fails in a few years. No, if it fails, it is due to Tam Allen and the two fair boards looking out for their own interests over the good of the people. The fair should move from it's current location. There is very little doubt about that. But to move it away from Lincoln is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. "

 Amazed and Shocked wrote on March 31, 2008 8:01 pm:
" I am amazed - and do not understand the reasoning to ignore the recommendation to hold the Fair in a population base of 300,000. Do you remember the failure of the IMAC theatre in Hastings? Is the bridge over the interstate a success? Somehow the committee doesn't realize local people go to the fair multiple times during the week - I heard Russ Karpisek on the radio, the only Senator on the Ag Committee to vote no - say the e-mails and contacts from constituients favored keeping the Fair in Lincoln - who is the Ag committee listening to? If there wasn't personal conflict difference of opinions between the Lancaster Ag Society and the State Fair Board would we be in this place? How can the Ag Committee spend $5 million with a limited chance for success. And why did the Ag Committee hire a consultant and then ignore their recommendations? "

 Brandon wrote on March 31, 2008 8:07 pm:
" It's not that Omahans are arrogant. It's just that neither the city of Grand Island nor the state fair (in either location) can offer us anything better than we have in Omaha. So why drive outstate? Omaha already has better entertainment all year long including large sporting events, the biggest concerts out there, and midways and festivals along our beautiful riverfront. I'm sorry, but agriculture, third tier concerts, and a few rides aren't going to make a lot of Omahans excited enough to travel to Grand Island or even Lincoln for that matter. Omaha always has something going on. That's why I don't like the idea of moving the state fair further from the state's population base. "

 Meredith wrote on March 31, 2008 8:07 pm:
" The city of Lincoln/Omaha didn't support the fair the way it should. Most of you posting here don't even appreciate what the real tradition of the fair is. If it is you wouldn't be griping about driving 90 miles. It is NOT the food or Midway. This is the very reason that moving to Grand Island is the right thing to do. The rest of you can just stay home. There will be a whole new group of people who might attend the fair for the first time in a long time. And they'll cheer on their neighbor kids as they show their 4-H steer. Exhibitors will come out of the woodwork who couldn't make it to Lincoln before. Attendence will likely drop, but the quality of the experience for those who go cannot help but improve. Of course, as long as we have state senators who gripe about even a 5 million contribution -e.g. there is still little or no support to do the fair the way it deserves - it will never what it could be. So smaller and better is the way to go. And it makes sense to put the land here in Lincoln to better economic use. "

 Russ A Lincoln wrote on March 31, 2008 8:17 pm:
" Well get ready everyone the same thing will happen with the "convention center" a lot of talk a lot of ideas then one day out of the blue it will be all over the decision made without the input of the public all done behind doors with kickbacks and buy offs and all we will be able to due is pay for it and vent here. "

 RIP wrote on March 31, 2008 8:30 pm:
" RIP Nebraska State Fair...

Metaforically this is like sending you grandmother to the nursing home... Just don't forget to call me for the funeral. "

 razorman wrote on March 31, 2008 8:32 pm:
" The State Fair has been a tradition for as long as I can remember, its funny over the last twenty years there has been no money for fixing the buildings, or making it a better place. We voted on Lottery money to help it out, I think that tells the whole story there, People want the State Fair and they want it to stay where it has been for many many years.I say We vote on a 40 million bailout and keep the fair right where its been for the last 100 years. Let the people vote on this one, I think our local goverment is trying to pull a fast one, and its going to cost everyone dearly, this is the biggest event we have around here can we afford to lose 11+ million dollars in revenue. Think about it, Omaha, Lincoln and Memorial stadium on Football Saturday are the most populated places in Nebraska "

 Marisol wrote on March 31, 2008 8:38 pm:
" A state fair kicked out of the capital by the state's own legislature? That's a sad state of affairs. "

 westward wrote on March 31, 2008 8:42 pm:
" I say go for it! If the fair moves, you can count me in as attender!! Lets move the fair out of Stinkin' Lincoln and put it where the STATE can attend their STATE Fair. "

 42 year Democrat wrote on March 31, 2008 8:46 pm:
" At this point in my life I don't care if the fair moves or stays. If Lincoln thinks that the fair grounds or only used 2 weeks a year , then they must have there heads in the sand. Say good by to Americruse and the Hot Rod power tour, a long with the craft shows and all the rest that are useing the Fair grounds weekley.
I just hope if this thing does pass, that the city will charge the new tech park with Police and Fire prodection.
DO NOT give this land to UNL. Let them bid on this or pay fair market value. 30 Million is a joke. "

 hillbilly wrote on March 31, 2008 8:47 pm:
" I, along with "the few" other hillbillys that live 3 hours+ west of Grand Island will be thrilled to drive to the State Fair AFTER the move. The sophisticated and arrogant Lincoln natives that are above an hour drive west into remote Nebraska are more than likely not happy in a State Fair Atmosphere anyway. Imagine their shock to learn that Grand Island isn't located in Western Nebraska or even in Central Nebraska, but actually in Eastern Nebraska were they to look at a map?

Is a move to Grand Island a immediate fix for the State Fair? Absolutely not. There are states who actually have a profitable state fair. If we need to cut back some to help ours get afloat, isn't that that what a prude