GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The Nebraska State Fair opened Friday with a ceremony at the fairgrounds at Fonner Park in Grand Island, drawing several state leaders to mark the occasion.

Gov. Jim Pillen and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon attended the event. Pillen spoke about how the fair can influence young people who show animals in its many exhibitions.

Bacon said the fair is a major economic driver for Nebraska.

“For Grand Island, this has had a huge economic impact in the surrounding area, with new hotels and the casino coming in here,” Bacon said. “But I think it’s great for the state that it highlights agriculture. We’re the third biggest agriculture state out of 50 when it comes to total receipts, biggest in beef, biggest in veal. This gives us a chance to highlight a very important industry

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