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There will be lots to see and do at the 2009 Nebraska State Fair Aug. 28-Sept. 7, not only showcasing what youth across the state have accomplished, but also offering plenty of hands-on activities and a place to taste diverse food products. Nebraska 4-H is projecting more than 11,000 exhibits and more than 4,000 4-H youth will be involved in various contests and events, said Tracy Pracheil, UNL Extension educator-multimedia learning in 4-H youth development. "The Nebraska State Fair culminates what 4-H'ers have been working on all year long and highlights the new things that are happening within the Nebraska 4-H program," Pracheil said. In addition to viewing 4-H projects from youth around the state, participants can visit two hands-on, free activities for kids. 4-H Seeking Young Scientists will be in the 4-H Exhibit Hall Aug. 29. It will preview experiments from this year and last year's 4-H National Youth Science Day. Events include robotics, an opportunity to make a battery, sound vibrations, surface tension, arctic climate changes and learning the science behind tobacco addiction. While at the exhibit, youth will have an opportunity to sign up for the 2009 National Science experiment on National Science Day Oct. 7. This year's experiment is Biofuel Blast where youth learn about alternative fuels. On Sept. 6, participants can attend 4-H State Fair Celebration. This will highlight 4-H in the present and future. Visitors also will get a preview of what youth can expect at the 2010 State Fair in Grand Island and will be able to participate in other learning activities involving water, nutrition, seeds and plants.
4-H Cyber Fair The 4-H CyberFair in the Farmland Building will showcase technology and how it relates to 4-H. New to this year's Cyber Fair will be the Backyard Living Experience on the patio of the Farmland Building. In addition, visitors can cruise the latest Dell technology at the Cyber Cafe, watch footage of county fairs on a giant inflatable screen and see robotics demonstrations presented by the Geospatial and Robotics Technology Program. Operation Military Kids will be back at this year's 4-H Cyber Fair. Fairgoers will be able to create a button to honor friends and family serving in the military. Operation Military Kids asks that participants bring a photo no bigger than 1 1/2 inch because the buttons are 3 inches. More information about the Cyber Fair can be found at http://4h.unl.edu/cyberfair/. For more information about Nebraska 4-H at the state fair, including a complete schedule of events, visit the Nebraska 4-H Web site at http://4h.unl.edu/programs/statefair/.
UNL Food Processing Center Nebraska State Fair visitors can taste the state's diverse food products at an exhibit sponsored by UNL's Food Processing Center. More than 20 Nebraska food companies will display their products and distribute samples in State Fair Park's Lancaster Building. "This is a great way for Nebraskans to experience and learn about all the diverse foods made by Nebraska companies. Visitors enjoy this educational and fun experience. It also helps companies expand their distribution opportunities throughout Nebraska," said Jill Gifford, manager for the center's Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program. This is the 13th year for the popular free exhibit. Participants are: Bluestem Herb Farm, Beatrice; Pastabilities Unlimited, Prairieland Foods, Firth; HR Poppin' Snacks, Gibbon; Kiehl and Stroh Co., Hastings; Balabans Jams, Henderson; Holen One Farms, Loomis; Farmstead First, Raymond; Oasis Enterprise, Sparks; Twin Loups Quality Meats, St. Paul; Fuehrer's Market, Sutton; Papa's Peppers, Wahoo; Hill's Sunflower Seed Co., Misty's Seasonings, Nebraska Rural Initiative, Prairie Fine Foods, Roberts Dairy and Valhalla Bee Farm, all Lincoln. The Food Processing Center offers a combination of consulting, educational, technical and business development services to food manufacturers throughout the country. The center provides comprehensive assistance to all food manufacturers from start-ups to large established companies.
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