Nebraska State Fair, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — The heartbeat of the Nebraska State Fair year in and year out can be seen wearing bright yellow shirts.
In 2024, more than 700 people are volunteering at the annual summer showcase, which has Volunteer Coordinator Haley Roush beyond thankful.
“When I took this job, I didn’t realize the family-friendly environment these volunteers would become,” Roush said. “It’s not just 11 days with these people. They become family to you, and they check on you even when the fair’s not going on.”
After a hot opening weekend, fair officials are now gearing up for a much more mild second half push. They’re also looking for even more volunteers for the final stretch.
“It’s a new side of the fair that people haven’t seen before,” Roush added. “You get into the fair for free, you get a free shirt, so I encourage people to come out and enjoy the great weather.”
While there are still opportunities to volunteer during the final days of the fair, those willing to donate their time will be able to work side by side with volunteers like Mark and Jane Gloor, who have combined for 25 years of volunteering at the fair. They say they hope their story and history with the fair will encourage others to sign up.
“We want younger volunteers to come out,” Volunteer Supervisor Jane Gloor said. “I hope they would see us out here and say ‘that’s what I would like to do.’”
