Aksarben Stock Show, (Vaughn Sievers, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND – The four-day Arksarben Stock Show, which has 3,000 entries from 14 states, began Sept. 26 at Fonner Park.
Vaughn Sievers, director of agriculture for the Nebraska State Fair, said that one exhibitor can show up to four animals. The Nebraska State Fair manages the show, which moved to Grand Island in 2017.
Participants are 8 to 19 years old, he said.
They have entered cattle, sheep, goats, lambs, and broilers (chickens) in the competition.
The show is important because of “how many people in brings to the community,” Sievers said. Participants and their families traveling to the show buy things such as gasoline and meals.
“The money invested to get here generates revenue for our state and for our community,’ he said.
A highlight of the show is the Purple Banner Night on Sunday. Champions from various categories are recognized at the event.
The Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, Sheep Barn, Five Points Bank Arena, Tom Dinsdale Cattle Barn, ACP Swine Building, Thompson Building, and Administration Building on the Fonner Park campus are used during the show.
A large tent had to be set up to house sheep and goats because of the large number of them that were entered. The show also rents Barr Middle School on Sunday for the Reasons for Judging Contest.
