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Cheyenne County 2016 Fair in the books

Cheyenne County's 130th Fair and Rodeo is in the books, and by all indications was a successful event.

For the youth, 4-H members officially ended activities Saturday morning with the livestock sale, topping months of work with their animals.

More than 100 animals, from rabbits to beef, went into the show ring for the last time during the sale while supporters' bids showed appreciation for 4-Hr's efforts.

The sale was held in the new Livestock Pavilion, the center of activity for larger livestock events, received many compliments both during the sale, and by patrons throughout the fair.

Cheyenne County Fair Board President Gerald Frerichs said he received many of those compliments, from fair participants and attendees alike.

"It was a good change," Frerichs said. "I had a lot of people come up and told me how much they liked it."

Frerichs said another residual benefit was realized with a new excitement created with the new pavilion.

"We had more people come out and volunteer to do things since that happened, it was great," Frerichs said.

Frerichs extended his own appreciation to those who made the pavilion possible, in particular Marty McMillen, who spearheaded the project

Frerichs said another new success was the fireworks show, presented following the concert in the grandstands Wednesday evening. He said fair board members received a lot of positive feedback on the show.

Also received well was the concert itself. Casey Donahew was the first performer to hit the arena stage in about four years and Frerichs said fair board members have already discussed continuing concerts to see if they can build on the success they saw this year. Frerichs said more than 600 tickets were sold for the concert.

Almost across the board, the fair saw equal success. Frerichs said sales were up for most events and the only "hitch" in event attendance was Friday evening during the truck and tractor pull, when a storm rolled through the area and some audience members left due to the weather.

Fair was deemed a success from the standpoint of 4-H and Open Class exhibits, as well.

The UNL Extension Office, which coordinates exhibits, said there were 360 4-H exhibitors, with more than 1,500 fair entries. In open classes, which feature the works of those not in 4-H, saw 126 exhibitors with more than 400 entries.

 

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