Perkins County Fair – A celebration of yesterday, today and tomorrow
Dear Editor,
What an incredible week we experienced at the 2025 Perkins County Fair! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces come together to celebrate. From start to finish, the fair showcased everything that makes Perkins County such a special place to live – our rich traditions, our strong community pride, and the bright future we are building together.
I want to extend a special thank you to the dedicated Fair Board members and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the fair such a success. From the Horse Show to the 4-H Livestock Shows, and the impressive exhibits on display, it was clear that countless hours of preparation and effort went into making this event truly outstanding.
Thursday’s Ranch Rodeo was full of excitement, highlighting the skills and grit of our local ranchers. The evening started with a heartfelt performance of the National Anthem by Ryleigh Hanson, setting the perfect tone for the event. The Perkins County FFA’s Barnyard Olympics added a fun and entertaining twist that had everyone smiling. Friday night’s Eve 6 Concert was a nostalgic trip back in time, and Shane Parde set the perfect tone for the evening with his incredible performance of the National Anthem.
Saturday was a day to remember – the parade was fantastic, followed by the always-popular 4-H BBQ. The evening concert kicked off with a powerful National Anthem performance by Kaylynn Macke-Reisig and Shane Parde. Josh Ross had the crowd energized with his #1 hit “Single Again,” and Joe Nichols closed out the night with a performance that did not disappoint!
The food vendor selection this year was over-the-top good – like a true “Tour of Cuisines.” From the famous “Lions Club Cheeseburger,” homemade pies, and delicious funnel cakes, to several authentic Mexican food options, some of the best BBQ around, wood-smoked pizza, and the ever-popular Sprocket Dogs – there was truly something for everyone! Kat’s Creamery was a nice new addition as well, serving up some of the best ice cream to end the day with a sweet treat, and the coffee drinks were a crowd favorite for those looking for a pick-me-up during the busy fair days.
A big thank you as well to the City of Grant for taking the time to sweep the streets before the parade – the extra effort did not go unnoticed and helped make Saturday’s events even more special. A heartfelt thanks also goes to the Grant Volunteer Fire Department and the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office for being there when needed – your presence, dedication, and commitment to safety are always appreciated.
Again, I will leave the politics alone and simply commend all the effort that was put into making the Perkins County Fair one to remember. The entire week seemed to fly by, and as the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
To everyone who attended, volunteered, or contributed in any way – thank you for making the Perkins County Fair a true celebration of our past, present, and future. I am already looking forward to what next year will bring!
With gratitude,
Marlin Wendell
Grant, Nebraska