Nebraska

The Nebraska State Fair asked for feedback from fairgoers in a comprehensive survey during the 10-day fair this year and now have a 160-page book of survey results to sift through and interpret.

Nebraska State Fair Executive Director Rick Bjorklund says this information "is like gold" to the board and staff, and will be invaluable as they prepare and plan for future fairs. "This feedback is really going to help us make decisions about services and entertainment offered at the fair, and will also help us target our marketing efforts to increase satisfaction and attendance."

The Nebraska State Fair hired EventCorp Services to collect immediate feedback from attendees and exhibitors at the 10-day 2005 Nebraska State Fair (Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, 2005).

Here are some highlights of the survey results:

Who attended?

--During the 10-day fair, 262,823 individuals came to enjoy the 137th annual State Fair. They stayed for an average 1.7 days each. They spent an average of 5.6 hours onsite during their visits.

--Two-thirds of them also attended the fair last year. It was the first time at the Nebraska State Fair for 14 percent. Forty-five percent have attended every year for the last five years; 47 percent said they always attend.

--Females outnumbered males by about 3:2.

--Average attendance age was 40.

--Nearly 48 percent of the attendees were post-secondary graduates.

--Forty-eight percent of attendees live in Lincoln; 35 percent in southeast, central and western Nebraska; 13 percent in northeast Nebraska, and 4 percent from other surrounding states.

--Most came in groups averaging four people.

What they had to say about us:

--Overall enjoyment of the 2005 Nebraska State Fair received "highly favorable" ratings.

--All aspects of the fair received "mid-range" to "high favorable" ratings.

--Sixty-four percent said the quality of the experience at the fair was "better or much better" than other fairs and festivals they have attended.

--Seventy-three percent of attendees said they feel safe or very safe at the fair.

--Eighty-two percent said they would provide enthusiastic referrals for the Nebraska State Fair.

--Sixty-seven percent of those who also attended last year's State Fair rated this year's fair as "better" or "much better" than last year's.

--Two-thirds of the exhibitors rated this year's fair as "better" or "much better" than last year's.

What they did at the fair:

--Three-quarters of attendees said they increased their knowledge of agriculture by visiting the fair.

--The highest rated features at the fair were the free Open Air Auditorium concerts, the Cabela's Country exhibit, free stage and family entertainment.

Why they came:

--Thirteen percent said they decided to attend the State Fair the day of their visit and 15 percent decided more than two months before the fair started.

--Nearly 50 percent of attendees got their fair information from newspapers. Forty-five percent knew about the fair because they "always attend" and 39 percent learned of the fair on the radio. Nearly 60,000 people looked at the Nebraska State Fair Web site rating it "high average" on information provided, ease of navigation and design. The most accessed Web site areas were general fair information, entertainment line-ups and competition information.

--The most recognized promotions by attendees were advance discount ticket sales, Veterans Day and Older Nebraskans Day.

Other interesting tidbits:

--Twenty-three percent attended one of the free concerts.

--Attendees said they were most motivated to visit the fair by entertainment and attractions, eating/food, and vendors/shopping.

--When asked about the companies or products associated with the fair, 85 percent said they try to support sponsors and 81 percent said they are "likely" or "very likely" to purchase the product or service of a Nebraska State Fair sponsor over a non-sponsor.

For more information about your Nebraska State Fair or the 1868 Foundation, visit www.statefair.org or call the State Fair Park office at 402-474-5371.