‘Nebraska State Fair’ chronicles event’s history through pictures

For the past 140 years, the Nebraska State Fair has been an integral part of the state's history and tradition.

Later this month, fair goers of all ages will have the chance to relive their favorite moments with the release of a new book that aims to capture the spirit of the fair and awaken nostalgic memories.

"Nebraska State Fair" by Mary L. Maas is a collection of vintage and modern photos that chronicle the changes of the state fair from its start in Nebraska City in the 1859 to its displacement to Lincoln as a result of a 1901 state legislature vote to its Grand Island debut last year. With its plethora of photos, readers of any generation are bound to connect with some part of Maas's book.

"It would be hard to look through the book and not find an image of your community or someone you know," said Lindsey Koepke, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation.

Koepke granted Maas access to thousands of archived photos to search and scan for use in her book. She said Maas spent "days upon days" trying to find pictures she thought were a "true representation of what the fair was like."

The photos in the book capture the various attractions of the evolving fair, including bands and parades, circus acts, rides, vendors, car races, tractor pulls and 4-H projects.

"The only thing I regret is that I couldn't put more photos in," Maas said. "There's such a historical memory bank that it's too bad there couldn't be more … but I'm very pleased with it."

Maas, an active member of the Nebraska State Historical Society, said her idea for the book came about when she heard that the Lincoln fairgrounds were going to be sold to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"I thought the history should be preserved and the photos should be collected," Maas said.

Koepke said she loved Maas's idea and that the foundation would have liked to do a similar project.

"Mary took full range and did a fantastic job," she said.

Part of Maas's goal in compiling the book was to evoke memories for those who have attended the state fair and to draw in those who have not.

A lifelong resident of Stanton, Neb., Maas began attending the fair when she was very young and has witnessed the fair's stages of change.

"They kept trying to bring in bigger, better events," she said, in an effort to keep regulars coming back and to attract newcomers. "I always thought they did a wonderful job."

The final chapter of Maas's book displays photos of a personal trip to the fair's debut in Grand Island last year.

"I loved the whole venue in Lincoln because of the whole historical aspect, but Grand Island is fantastic also because the buildings are state-of-the-art," Maas said. The new buildings are equipped with large screens so attendees can see various events happening around the fairgrounds, no matter where they are.

"I was thrilled that she was able to include the first year in Grand Island," Koepke said. "That was a historical chapter, a new beginning for the fair and for this area and how it's going to continue to grow there."

Koepke said in her seven years working with the fair, last summer's crowd in Grand Island was the most enthusiastic she has seen.

"Central Nebraska really came together and supported not only the move of the fair but the continued growth of the fair," she said. Last summer showed a record number of volunteers with 675 individuals helping with various aspects of the fair.

"I think being in Grand Island, it's going to pull the whole state in a little bit more," Maas said.

"We are thrilled with the book," said Erica Winters, marketing specialist for Arcadia Publishing. "This one is really going to resonate with a lot of people, and the photos are great."

This is the second book Maas has published with Arcadia, the leading local history publisher in the United States.

"I just hope that it pleases the people who see it, that it's a book that really reflects what the state fair means," Maas said. She said she believes the fair promotes the youthful activities of 4-H members, Future Farmers of America and those who love aspects of the fair such as the antique equipment, quilt work, food and photography.

"There's something there for everybody, whether you're young or old, hobbies or not," Maas said. "And if you don't do the hobby yourself, you can go and appreciate what somebody else has accomplished."

"Nebraska State Fair" will be available at local retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665 beginning June 27. A portion of proceeds from book sales will go toward the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation, which continually strives for the overall improvement of the fair.

The 2011 Nebraska State Fair will run Aug. 26 to Sept. 5. New entertainment this year includes: Aussie Kingdom, Street Beat Parkour Percussion, Showbot, the Living Vines, an Auctioneer Calling Contest and a Scream Contest. Other entertainment includes: The Band Perry, Larry the Cable Guy, Crystal Gayle, Jeremy Camp, LeAnn Rimes, Willie Nelson and Cheap Trick. For more information, visit www.statefair.org.

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