The 2012 version of the Nebraska State Fair came to a close Monday and initial reports show that attendance was up 1.2 percent with nearly 337,000 people enjoying the 11-day run.
“That’s great news,” sponsorship and marketing director Shaun Schlief said upon hearing the final count. “We have had a lot of compliments, particularly with the entertainment. We spent over $1 million just on entertainment this year and people were very appreciative of having more things to see and do on the fairgrounds.”

For a detailed story on this year's fair, including input from Hampton Simmental cattle producers Lowell and Jennifer Ediger, see this week's print or e-edition.