Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The Cheyenne County Fair Board is on a quest to return the charm and excitement of a county fair and bring back affordable family fun. The board is organizing activities to restore the charm of children's games, entertainment for the whole family and the tradition of roping and rodeo, 4-H exhibits, concerts and demolition derbies.
The board is coordinating ways to incorporate local ideas for entertainment. Options discussed in the June 27 meeting included hayrides, stick horse races, photo backdrops and corn hole games.
Options being considered include businesses and organizations hosting an activity in exchange for recognition.
The board also discussed the possibility of a “welcome back” special vendor fee for 2022. Board member Shelly Sutherland moved the Board approve a flat rate fee for vendors this year. Sutherland initially proposed $100 for the week and after further discussion that a $100 fee may be too low.
Sutherland's motion was presented at $250 for the week. The motioned died for lack of a second. Vendors currently pay the Fair Board 15 percent of gross sales.
Prior to Sutherland's proposal, board treasurer Kip Miller posed the question of how to get more vendors to the fair.
“We're missing out somewhere,” he said.
The Fair Board is moving ahead with plans for a free concert and dinner for the first 1,000 people to show up for the Free BBQ. Drinks will be available for purchase through the 4-H youth or attendees may bring their own non-alcoholic drinks..
The 2022 entertainment will be “Savanna Chestnut and the Field Hands” from Americus, Kan., a small town near Emporia. Chestnut recently released her latest album, “Stitches and Scars.” Her new album includes tracks including “My First Rodeo” and “Like A Desperado.”
The board also discussed how to maintain the arena. The board discussed how packed it should be and how to maintain the proper integrity.
“We really do need to do our best to maintain the arena,” Sutherland said.
She said the county needs to develop the reputation of doing the best it can with what it has.
Queen tryouts were held last weekend (July 2-3). Sutherland said an anonymous donor is sponsoring the Fair Royalty Princess Program for 2022, providing sashes and tierras for contestants. The program is for girls ages eight to 11. The idea is to encourage girls to take part in the queen's contest.
Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska are expected at this year's rodeo.
This year's demolition derby will include a tribute to military, a monster truck. The monster truck is part of the Wounded Warrior program. Sutherland encouraged the board to invite veterans to ride in the truck before board members.
The board also discussed sponsorships, who will be designated for rodeo sponsorship and who will sponsor the fair at-large.
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