LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH KASEY KROEKER
GRANT, Neb. — With near-perfect weather and a jam-packed schedule, the Perkins County Fair in Grant is in full swing — and gearing up for a high-energy weekend of food, fun, and live music.
Kasey Kroeker of the Perkins County Fair Board joined Z93.5 Country’s Derek Beck Thursday morning to preview the final days of the fair, which officially kicked off with a community Chamber breakfast and continues with a flurry of 4-H events, family activities, and live entertainment.
“Whatever meets your fancy, we’ve got it,” Kroeker said, highlighting a diverse lineup of food vendors offering everything from barbecue to Mexican cuisine, pizza, and ice cream. “We’ve got some new ones this year, and the weather’s been amazing.”
Weekend Entertainment Highlights
Thursday night marks the start of the fair’s major entertainment slate, featuring a Ranch Rodeo with 11–12 teams, FFA Farm Olympics, and mutton busting. The beer garden will be open and ready for guests.
“We’ve got a great group on the board that puts the Ranch Rodeo together,” Kroeker said. “FFA’s going to put on a good show too — I’ve heard it’s going to be pretty funny.”
Friday brings a full day of family fun with a Kids Carnival and a performance by local talent Shane Parde at 5 p.m. in the bingo area — a popular return act, playing both Friday and Saturday evenings.
“He just plays with his guitar and has a great voice. He’s super entertaining,” Kroeker said.
That sets the stage for Friday night’s big rock concert with Eve 6, with gates opening at 6 p.m. A live DJ will entertain ahead of the 8 p.m. show, with more music following the concert.
“This is new for us,” Kroeker said. “We had the rodeo last year, but we wanted to mix it up. Eve 6 was a great option. If you’re a 90s or 2000s fan, you’ll definitely recognize the hits.”
Country Music Doubleheader Saturday
Saturday brings even more with the traditional parade in the morning, followed by the annual 4-H barbecue — an important fundraiser for local youth programs.
“We really want people to come out and support it. All that money goes back to the 4-H Council and the kids,” Kroeker said.
The afternoon includes a kids’ tractor pull before things gear up again for the final night’s headline show — a country music doubleheader with Josh Ross and Joe Nichols.
“Josh Ross is an up-and-comer we were lucky to book. And pairing him with Joe Nichols — who has had hit after hit — makes for a huge finale,” Kroeker said.
Tickets and Support
Tickets are available in advance at perkinscountyfairgrounds.com and at the gate. Schedules, updates, and photos are posted regularly on the fair’s Facebook page.
Kroeker emphasized the importance of community support and local sponsors in making the event possible.
“Everything we do down here — it doesn’t happen without our sponsors,” he said. “If you’re at the fair, go thank them. Better yet, shop with them. That’s how all of this works.”