Nebraska State Fair celebrates with Grand Island for its 150th anniversary

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Wednesday marked Grand Island Day at the Nebraska State Fair, and its a celebration of G.I.’s 150th anniversary of incorporation into Nebraska.

Going back further than a century and a half there is even more history to be celebrated, and one group particularly proud of all the celebration is the Hall County Historical Society.

Society President Fred Roeser said the celebrations go back further than 150 years, and whether it’s at the fair, or ones coming later this year, celebration is not only special for the city, it also hold special significance for his family.

“Grand Island actually was settled in 1857, 165 years ago, and that group was led out here by my great great grandfather, William Stolley,” Roeser said. “His home and part of the homestead is Stolley Park in Grand Island. This is also the 100th Anniversary of the found of the Hall County Historical Society, we started in 1922.”

With the history that is Grand Island’s past, Roeser says it makes for a great backdrop for the fair.

“We’re kind of the crossroads right here,” Roeser told Local4 News. “We have Highway 30 that’s the old Lincoln Highway that comes right through town. 281 goes north and south, the Platte River comes through here. Union Pacific Railroad, the Burlington Railroad. You know all the lines of transportation are here, this is kind of the crossroads of everything.”

Roeser also said that the celebration of history doesn’t end with Grand Island Day, the Society plans on holding City Tours for people who want to dive deeper into the past.

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