By Mary Loftis
Extension Assistant
The Burt County Fair Foundation Fundraiser was held Saturday evening, February 28 in Tekamah. It was well attended by a wonderful group of supporters from across the county.
The evening was made up of a delicious meal, silent and live auctions, entertainment by comedian and ventriloquist Wayne Francis and a dance with Bill Skinner providing the music.
The fundraiser was a huge success again…the best yet, thanks to the continued generous support of the bidders, buyers and all the donors.
During the event the Fair Foundation announced plans for their next big fundraising effort. They are planning a new building on the fairgrounds which will replace the current Ag Hall for open class exhibits and vendor booths. The dates of the 2015 Burt County Fair are August 7-11 in Oakland.
The Burt County Fair Foundation Fundraiser Saturday evening at the Tekamah Auditorium was well attended by a wonderful group of fair supporters. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.
The Burt County Fair is a yearly attraction that brings people together from all over the county and beyond, enjoying all of the events and entertainment, along with reminiscing of years past. Many people attend, bringing the sense of family to the weekend.
Four years ago, the Burt County Fair Kick-off began, providing an evening of food and entertainment for everyone, with proceeds providing more events and also improving the fairgrounds. Forever in Blue Jeans in the theme for this year’s kick-off.
This year’s event is being held in Tekamah at the auditorium, Saturday February 28th. “We have a great evening planned for all to enjoy,” stated David Pearson. “We wanted to have it in Lyons this year, but the auditorium is being remodeled.” 
He is the interim fair manager for 2015, replacing long-time manager Norm Johnson. “Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with a meal following at 6:30 p.m.” David said. The meal this year will be a choice of Husker chops or New York Strips instead of prime rib served previous years. “Mark Blackford has offered to prepare the Husker chops and New York Strips. Donna Preston will cater the rest of the meal,” David stated.
There will also be the traditional silent auction, with many items to bid on. Following the meal, there will be a live auction. “There will be a great deal for everyone to bid on. There will also be a bred heifer again this year,” David said.
Tables were sold this year and will be auctioned off for next year’s kick-off. “Those that purchased the tables will be waited on during the evening until the entertainment begins,” David stated.
This year’s entertainment is also different from previous years. “Wayne Francis, a comedian and ventriloquist will entertain the crowd. He has a life size dummy instead of the usual shorter one, David said. “Disc Jockey Bill Skinner will follow, providing music and dancing for the rest of the evening.”
There are a limited number of tickets left, so hurry and pick up one today!
“Thanks to everyone for supporting the Burt County Fair,” David said.
David Pearson and Mary Loftis during the auction portion of the kick-off. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
The three school flags were one of the main auction items. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
All types of hats hung from the ceiling at the fair kick-off. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Jason Penke was one of the many people helping with the event. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Michael Nissen was one of the auctioneers for the evening. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Todd Cull also helped during the live auction along with Johnnie Johnson, holding the shirt. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
The Band, Rough Cut, performed for all the dancers at the conclusion of the evening. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
The county support is huge for the fair kick off. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
“I really want to express the foundations sincere appreciation for all those who attended and supported the event,” stated David Pearson, Burt County Fair Foundation President.
The 3rd annual Burt County Fair Kick-Off was held on Sat., Feb. 8th at the Tekamah auditorium. 380 people attended from all over Burt County. “The foundation loves the fair, and I can’t express the gratitude the foundation feels by having so many people help us,” Pearson said.
Each year, the event is held to raise money to make the annual Burt County Fair bigger and better. “This year we want to finish the pavilion we built last year. We need gutters and more concrete around the building,” Pearson stated. “We continue to staff and support the Kids Zone by the 4-H Kitchen, all the decorations, toys, trikes and wagons were paid for by the foundation. We support the free entertainment under the pavilion and moved the existing Kohlmeier Pavilion to the new location.”
The foundation also purchased four new bleachers for those attending to be able to watch all of the entertainment at the fair. “The money is also used to keep the price down for the Bull O Rama, and allow all kids under 10 in free,” Pearson said.
There are buildings in need of repair and the grandstand needs some work Pearson indicated. “We would like to find a working windmill to put on the fair grounds,” Pearson stated.
One of the many items auctioned at this year’s event were flags from each school district in the county. “Mick and Judy Anderson bought Tekamah-Herman’s flag, Tony and Nancy Bromm bought Oakland-Craig’s and Dale and Paula Miller bought Lyons-Decatur Northeast’s flag,” Pearson said.
There are many people involved in making this annual event a success. “We really appreciate the City of Tekamah, it’s council, and Mayor for allowing us to use the facility,” Pearson stated. “I also want to thank Ronnie’s Bar for serving refreshments, they did a great job. A big thanks goes to Donna Preston for serving the meal. There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate all the help. From the spouses , brothers and sisters of the foundation, to a group of young adults, to Ag Society members, and their spouses and the auctioneers. It was a great event.”
The foundation has enormous gratitude for all of those involved in helping them with the annual event. “We live in a county that has been blessed not to have to charge to come to the fair. When you really think about our fair, it is the one time a year the entire county comes to celebrate the achievements of it’s members, Everyone you talk to still has friends that they met at the Burt County Fair,” Pearson said.
Donations are still being accepted. Mail to: The Burt County Fair Foundation, 1675 CR K Oakland, NE 68045.
Kat Country Hub 
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