It was a Grand Affair!

After a week of reflection, it's now time for a special state fair Top 5!   All in all we had an excellent time at the state fair.  The weather was perfect, the parking was free and the food was fried!

Top 5 Nebraska State Fair Highlights

Autumn's List

1. The Kid's Zone:  It was nice to have a whole area full of fun stuff for kids.  The petting zoo was the highlight even though the zebra wasn't cooperating.
2. The new buildings:  They were spectacular!  Beautiful on the outside and spacious on the inside.  The numerous bathrooms didn't hurt either.
3. Fried PB & J:  Enough said.
4. The Nebraska Wheat Exhibit:  Fun activities for the kids, free cinnamon roll samples, and interesting displays, this was my favorite exhibit at the fair.
5. Free Parking:  Even though it took us nearly half an hour to find our car, at least we didn't have to pay to do it.

Dustin's List

1. Free Parking:  We had more money to spend on the important things, like foot-long Italian sausages.
2. In-door plumbing:  Each building had a bathroom so there weren't those disgusting port-a-potties all over the place.
3. The Shows:  The free concert line-up was outstanding this year.  The Heartland Event Center is pretty impressive as well.
4. Very Nebraskan:  It was great to see a return to the strong agricultural environment a state fair in Nebraska should have.
5. Vendors:  There was a great variety of food vendors this year.  Or maybe it was simply because they were all close together so there were plenty to choose from. 

Now, this is not to say there aren't a few things that can't be changed for next year. 

Top 5 Nebraska State Fair Mistakes

1. The Annual Bill Seymour Marathon:  The marathon crossed Stolley Park Road, which is one of the main roads leading to the state fairgrounds.  We were stuck for nearly half an hour waiting for the runners to cross the road.  Perhaps picking a different weekend or route is something the planners of this marathon should consider next year.
2. Need more signs:  A big sign saying "Turn Here" on South Locust would have saved us from driving around the entire park.
3. Free Parking:  Yes this was one of the great things about the fair, but finding it was the tough part.  Several "Free Parking" signs pointing in the right direction would have been helpful.
4. Open at 8 a.m.:  The park opens at 8 a.m., but the buildings and most vendors don't open until 10 a.m.  We spend several hours wandering around trying to find something to do because we got there early.  It wouldn't hurt if a few more vendors and the buildings opened at 8 a.m. as well.
5. Little seating for eating:  It was great that the food vendors were all close, but there needed to be more picnic tables nearby.  There were plenty of benches, but it is difficult to eat a grater tater without a table to put it on.