To the Residents of Nance County,
As some of you may have heard, I have made the difficult decision to resign as President of the Nance County Ag Society and step down from the board. This choice did not come lightly. Over the past ten years, I have poured my heart and energy into providing the best fair experience possible for the residents of Nance County. I truly believe we’ve made great progress, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify a few points I’ve heard circulating, and to share some insight into the decisions and efforts behind our work.
Four years ago, we conducted a Facebook poll asking residents what would bring them back to support the fair. At the time, the fair was financially strained — we were borrowing money just to cover our expenses. The top response was: “It just doesn’t feel like a fair without a carnival.” We took that feedback seriously.
That first year, I contacted four different carnival providers. Only one considered working with us, and they required a $25,000 lump-sum payment to attend — with no flexibility on dates — and insisted the carnival be free to the public. It was a steep challenge, but one we chose to meet.
We launched a county-wide fundraising campaign, offering tiered donation levels and promotional banners for donors of $500 or more. The response was incredible. In the first year alone, we received enough support to display 52 banners and welcomed 11 donors who gave between $1,000 and $2,500. Then, just before the event, a single donor stepped in to cover the entire cost of the carnival. That overwhelming community support made it clear: the carnival mattered.
Since then, we’ve added Extreme Bull Riding, Figure 8 racing, and increased payouts for our demolition derby — attracting top-tier drivers from across Nebraska and neighboring states. These events have helped breathe new life into our fair.
I’m often asked what we do for 4-H, and why the fair is now split between two sets of dates. Over the past five years, we’ve invested more than $50,000 into improvements to the show barn. Projects include rebuilding the beef wash rack, upgrading lighting, adding sidewalks for improved access, installing electrical drop-downs for fans, and recently securing a grant to install two 14-foot Big Ass Fans to help cool the barn during fair week. We also purchased a sewing machine for 4-Hers and continue to cover the costs of judges and premiums for their projects.
The shift to earlier fair dates was initially driven by the carnival’s availability, but it has since benefited our events by avoiding conflicts with the 92 other county fairs and numerous town festivals across Nebraska. This change has given our events room to grow.
Some have proposed eliminating the carnival and combining both fair dates. While I agree that a unified fair would be ideal — and I assure you, no one enjoys setting up and tearing down twice a summer — the idea of cutting the carnival is where I must respectfully disagree.
I understand that the carnival may not appeal to every age group, especially older high school students. But for younger children — like my almost fouryear-old daughter and the 14 kids under age 12 whose parents serve on the fair board — it’s truly magical.
Ultimately, this isn’t about what we as board members want. It’s about what our community values. Based on the overwhelming positive feedback I’ve received — at work, in passing conversations, and through countless messages — it’s clear the carnival holds a special place in the hearts of many. I believe these children will grow up with cherished memories of the fair and will look forward to it every summer.
Throughout my time on the board — and especially as President — my mission was always to do what was best for Nance County and to create an inclusive, meaningful experience for all children, whether or not they participate in 4-H.
This letter is not intended as criticism, but rather as a chance to share our reasoning and the care behind our choices. Please remember that your fair board members are volunteers who give their time, energy, and personal resources to make the fair possible. They sacrifice family time, reschedule vacations, and take personal leave from work — all to bring our community something to enjoy and be proud of. Among our 14 board members, there are 21 children under the age of 16. Their parents give countless hours, often behind the scenes, to bring the fair to life each year.
To everyone who has donated, volunteered, or simply attended the fair — thank you. Your support, encouragement, and belief in the mission of the fair are what keep the board going strong. I’m confident that the Ag Society will continue to grow and bring new and exciting opportunities to Nance County for years to come.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
Sincerely,
Riley “Goob” Lane
Fullerton