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The Nebraska State Fair Board in July approved planning for a rooftop bar at the Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn.
GRAND ISLAND -- Grand Island’s Fonner Park could be getting a rooftop bar for Nebraska State Fair attendees to enjoy.
It would be located at Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn and Barn Bar.
The Nebraska State Fair board at its July meeting unanimously approved making the feature a priority item for the 1868 Foundation to pursue. The foundation, which benefits the Nebraska State Fair, will consider the item and if approved begin fundraising efforts for the project.
A rooftop bar is something many people “would very much enjoy” and is “very visible,” said Board Vice Chair Dawn Caldwell.
“Many of us enjoy rooftop venues when we go to different things in more urban areas,” she said, “and it would be a delight to have a rooftop venue here on the fairgrounds for people to enjoy not only during the state fair, but (also other livestock shows).”
Caldwell reported the project has the support of Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak, 1868 Foundation Chair Terry Galloway, and Dinsdale Automotive, which has naming rights to the Cattle Barn building and its Barn Bar.
“All were enthusiastic and excited, and said, yes, charge forward,” said Caldwell.
A construction timeline is not yet a part of the conversation, and construction will be pending completion of fundraising.
“We would hope to be able to pull funds and materials and labor together for 2023, but we are early in prioritization to say any dates for sure,” said State Fair Deputy Executive Director Jamie Parr.
Executive Director Bill Ogg is optimistic the State Fair will draw strong crowds this year.
At a time of rising prices for fuel and costs for entertainment, Ogg said he believes the fair will serve as an affordable option for families this summer.
“I don’t think price of fuel or overall inflation will hurt the fair as much as maybe some of the other destination theme parks and other things like that,” he said.
The Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island is scheduled for Aug. 26 through Sept. 5.
Dean Baumgart of Hastings stands and waves the flag while the Marines' Hymn is being played during the Nebraska State fair Veterans Day program at the Heartland Events Center Monday. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Robert and Juanita Briseno wave the crowd during the Veteran's parade at the Nebraska State Fair. Briseno was a co-grand marshal of the parade. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Some Veteran's and Daughters of the American Revolution gathered arm in arm during a song at the Veterans Day program at the Heartland Events Center Monday during the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Zane Kreikemeier of Callaway ropes a calf during the high school rodeo Monday morning at the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Morgan Rosander from Wolbach competed in pole bending at the high school rodeo Monday during the final day of the state fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Lynsie Lancaster of Hastings ropes a goat during Monday's high school rodeo at the state fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Busy weekend made for a fun atmosphere on the Midway at the Nebraska State Fair Saturday afternoon. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
A smashing good time at Monday's Labor Day demo derby during the last day of the state fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
This group was waiting for a free combine ride Sunday afternoon at the Nebraska State Fair. In back (from left) are Chris Schwieger, Mallory Cacy and Laurie Stueven. In front are Makenna Stueven, 4, Blayne Cacy, 5, and Ella Cacy, 7.
Wyatt and Whitney Umstead of Howard, S.D., step down after a free combine ride Sunday at the Nebraska State Fair. Wyatt is 14 and Whitney 9.
A steady line of fairgoers waits to get a free combine ride Sunday at the Nebraska State Fair.
Austyn Smith, 3 receives a treat from Bridget Rountree , one half of the Animal Cracker Conspiracy Puppet Co. who walked around the Nebraska State Fair on stilts. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
the Animal Cracker Conspiracy Puppet Co. walk around the Nebraska State Fair on stilts. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
A girl pets a recently born duck inside the birthing pavilion at the state fair on Friday. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Kendall Kelly of G.I. touches a ra baby goat while it is held by a vet, inside the birthing pavilion at the state fair on Friday. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Some boys check out the duck slide for new born ducks inside the birthing pavilion Friday afternoon at the state fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
This 11 day old pot belly pig walks to its mother at Hedrick's Petting Zoo inside the state fair on Friday afternoon. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Landry Nelson and Chase Williams pet 11 day old pot belly pigs at Hedrick's Petting Zoo inside the state fair on Friday afternoon. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Riiver Nelson petd 11 day old pot belly pigs at Hedrick's Petting Zoo inside the state fair on Friday afternoon. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Kendall Kelly of G.I. touches a recently born duck inside the birthing pavilion at the state fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
The Tri-Cities Model Railroad Association has a display under the grandstand in the Fonner Park Concourse at the Nebraska State Fair.
The Tri-Cities Model Railroad Association has a display under the grandstand in the Fonner Park Concourse at the Nebraska State Fair.
The Tri-Cities Model Railroad Association has a display under the grandstand in the Fonner Park Concourse at the Nebraska State Fair.
Whitley Rut, president of her FFA chapter at Arthur High School, gives her award-winning speech about the importance of sand as a natural resource in Nebraska Saturday at the Nebraska State Fair’s Sustainability Pavilion. (Independent/Robert Pore)
Border collies are a highly intelligent breed of dog that have been bred to herd cattle and sheep over the centuries. At the Nebraska State Fair’s Cattle Dog Trials, stock dogs competed in a series of obstacles that replicate the chores they do when herding cattle.
Dean and Jared Lerwick, co-owners of the Pumpkin Creek Ranch southwest of Morrill, aim to bring a meat processing and packaging facility back to Gering.
Vicki Pflasterer of Grand Island earned a first place win with her white-haired mini Shadow at the Nebraska State Fair's carriage driving competition Friday. Shadow was also a reserve world champion at the 2021 Pinto World Championship. Event judge Ruth Graves of Greenville, Texas, looks on. (Independent/Brandon Summers)
Tammy Taylor of Phantom Dragon Ranch in Lakewood, Colo., brought her Shire stallion and Meadowbrook cart to Friday's carriage driving competition at the Nebraska State Fair. Taylor was joined by her friend, Terri Miller. Before competing, they talk with event superintendent Kate Greckel. (Independent/Brandon Summers)
These kids decided to take a ride on Mighty Mouse at the Nebraska State Fair. Wade Shows opens at 1 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Members of the Prairie Dulcimer Players perform for the crowd inside the Fonner Park concourse at the Nebraska State Fair. The group us from Central Nebraska and plays weekly at care homes in Hastings, Grand Island, an Sutton. They also do some special programs. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Lance Wilson. a citizen of the Pottawatomie nation and a "fancy dancer" or "hoop dancer," performs on the AGI stage at the Nebraska State Fair. Wilson has performances scheduled for 1 and 5 p.m. Friday, Sept 3. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
The Nebraska Department of Heath and Human Services Immunization Department has set up a station for the free COVID-19 vaccines in the Welcome Center at the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/McKenna Lamoree)
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Department employees Patty Korbelik and Tammy Wintz prepare for a day of providing free COVID-19 vaccines for those attending the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/McKenna Lamoree)
Tim Beckman (left) carefully handles a freshly-fried funnel cake to pass along to Sue King (center). King and her husband Mike own the popular Nebraska State Fair food stand staple King’s Funnel Cakes and More. Melody Beckman (far right) primarily handles order window duties.
Students gather around to observe a demonstration on the equipment dairy farmers use to milk cows during a Nebraska's Largest Classroom event at the Nebraska State Fair.
Katie Johnsen from Barr Middle school demonstrates Potential energy and kinetic energy using wood tongue depressor sticks Monday at the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Katie Johnsen from Barr Middle school demonstrates Potential energy and kinetic energy using wood tongue depressor sticks Monday at the Nebraska State Fair. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
The Doniphan-Trumbull band played at the Nebraska State Fair Tuesday morning. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Bo, a dog from JUMP! The ultimate dog show jumps through the upside legs of Lou “Mack” McCammon - AKA the "Dog Man" of Las Vegas during Tuesday's show in the Family Fun Zone at the Nebraska State Fair. Dogs also catch Frisbee's in and out of water and even jump over poles at varying levels of heights. The show performs twice daily. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Bo, a dog from JUMP! The ultimate dog show catches a Frisbee in mid-air, before landing in a pool during Tuesday's show in the Family Fun Zone at the Nebraska State Fair. Dogs also catch Frisbee's in and out of water and do other tricks with their owner. The show performs twice daily. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Taz, a dog from JUMP! The ultimate dog show jumps well over six foot during Tuesday's show in the Family Fun Zone at the Nebraska State Fair. Dogs also catch Frisbee's in and out of water and do other tricks with their owner. The show performs twice daily. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
The metal Percheron pulling a plow sculpture on display at the Iowa State Fair.
Dwight Hughes Jr. worked with an artist to have a sculpture of a Percheron horse made and displayed at the state fair. The horse was made of welded-together metal machine parts.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit usually stays busy at lunch and super time during the Nebraska State Fair, but on Monday it was extra busy for Older Nebraskans Day. (Independent/Josh Salmon)
Scott Manchester of Grand Island competes in another Antique Tractor pull. This year's Antique tractor pull begins at 9 a.m. Friday-Saturday at the Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St.
Dixie Engelke of Athol, Kansas, competed in Monday morning's barrel races held at the US Foods outdoor arena on the grounds of the Nebraska State Fair. Engelke had a time of 18.517.
The Sandy Creek Cougars of Fairfield perform at the Nebraska State Fair Monday under the direction of instructor Devin Rethman.
Bishop Neumann Catholic Cavaliers of Wahoo, under Director Bill Kellett, practice their routine early in the morning before being the first of several high school marching bands to perform at the Nebraska State Fair Monday.
The Grand Island Senior High Islanders marching band performed Monday at the Nebraska State Fair. The 104 students were led by GISH Orchestra Director John Jacobs.
Setup for the Nebraska State Fair continued Aug. 25 in Grand Island.
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Robert Dover is president of Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors in Norfolk and has been chairman of the Madison County Republicans.
The Nebraska State Fair Board in July approved planning for a rooftop bar at the Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn.
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