Husker Harvest Days Will Feature New Upgrades

GRAND ISLAND - Husker Harvest Days will celebrate its 41st annual event with $7.5 million of upgrades that are nearly completed for the 2018 show that will be held Sept. 11-13 on its permanent site near Grand Island.

“All the major construction is complete, and we are now working on the last details and fine points,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress shows director.

What’s new

Visitors will notice the concrete paved roads, new and upgraded restrooms and entrance gate structures. What visitors can’t see, the infrastructure that includes drainage and sewer system to handle significant rainfall, will give visitors a better show experience – even if it rains.

“It’s been an aggressive renovation year for the site,” said Jungmann. “Many people have worked together to make the upgrade happen, from the local Chamber of Commerce, show staff, the general contractor, Paulsen Inc., and so many more helped accomplish this large-scale upgrade project.”

“The HHD site is a first rate, world class facility,” said Don Tourte, SVP sales and events. “One of our goals with the renovation project —and with all our shows — is to make sure each event keeps its traditional rural-gathering character and we will always work hard to make our shows the nation’s leading farm events.”

Here’s a list of the Husker Harvest Days facility upgrades:

Concrete roads seven inches deep that cover 5.5 miles

Paving extends from visitor parking to the main gate along Chief Flag Road

Concrete floors in all the Diversified Industries Buildings and the Livestock Industries Building

Storm sewer system and retention pond

New bleachers for the livestock demonstration audience seating.

Security fence

Five 90’ Musco light towers

New internet distribution

New PA system

Electrical system – all now underground

New restroom located on the southeast quarter of the grounds

Renovated and expanded the restroom located near the North DI Building

New fueling station for field demonstration and vendor equipment

Traffic entry structures

Two new entrances from Husker Highway

One-way traffic flow into show office lot

New entrance into northeast exhibitor/volunteer parking lot

Streets re-numbered, exhibitors remain in the same locations with a new “addresses”

The show also has a new logo

Site rededication

A ceremony to celebrate the teamwork that made the improvements possible and re-dedicate the event to always present the latest ag technology, services and learning opportunities for western Corn Belt farmers and ranchers, will be held at 7:50 a.m., Sept. 11, location at the west end of Chief Flag Row (Gate 1). Community leaders and Chief Industries staff will join Husker Harvest Days officials to launch the newly renovated site.