The Nebraska State Fair in its third year in Grand Island continues to improve and draw crowds.
Through the first three days of the show, nearly 95,000 people came through the gates to Grand Island's Fonner Park. That attendance was on par with 2011, but bigger crowds were expected over the Labor Day weekend.
Several draws so far for the 2012 Nebraska State Fair were the U.S. senate debate between State Sen. and Republican Deb Fischer and her opponent Democrat Bob Kerrey, and the classic tractor parade which set a world record with the most tractors—964.
Another new feature drawing people was the Sky Tram that ran the length of four football fields. It gave fairgoers a bird's-eye view of the fairgrounds.
MARCHING PRIDE: The Bruning-Davenport marching band was featured during one day of the fair.
The Nebraska Cattlemen's Beef Pit continues to be popular dining location for fair visitors, with long lines each day.
But it wouldn't be a state fair without the food, livestock shows, games, midway, antique tractors, and exhibitors. Here are some of the sights from the 2012 Nebraska State Fair.
THE LINEUP:
Five Points Arena was the place to be for the many livestock judging contests.
BIG APPETITE:
The Nebraska Pork Producers Association and Nebraska Soybean Board sponsored this eight-foot hog made of 9,000-plus cans of beans. "Canstruction" is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Ga., which hosts competitions, exhibitions and other events to showcase large structures made of full cans of food. After the fair, the food will be donated to local food banks.
AND THEY'RE OFF:
Hedrick's racing pigs kept visitors laughing during their spin around the track.
MARCHING PRIDE:
The Bruning-Davenport marching band was featured during one day of the fair.