Columbus / Nebraska / United States
Ag Park History The Society was formed on June 2, 1941 when about 50 Platte County farmers and businessmen met. Gifts of both land and money had been offered if such a society were organized. Much of the early efforts of contacting people in the county, securing gifts and obtaining necessary legal work, was done by M. M. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was the President of the Central National Bank. It was primarily through his efforts that the gift of $5, 000 cash from Mr. Theo Friedhof and the gift of the 84 acre farm from Mrs. Albert H. Gehner was made.Mr. Friedhof was a retired merchant who for many years operated a department store on the southeast corner of 13th Street and 27th Avenue. Mrs. Gehner was the daughter of one of Platte Countys earliest settlers. Her maiden name was Helen Browner and the farm which she gave was known as the Browner Farm.The first Board of Managers represented all parts of the County as is true of all subsequent Boards. The first officers of the Society were:Interested in 4-H and was referred to as the father of the 4-H movement in Platte County.Ed Nielsen was appointed to head the drive for funds. He was owner of Nielsen Garage. The goal was $10, 000 with a minimum of $ 5, 000. A very successful campaign raised over $ 13, 000. An additional gift of $ 5, 000 was then made by Mrs. Gehner and Mr. Friedhof and it was earmarked for the auditorium. Mrs. Gehner gave additional gifts totaling $ 8, 000 which were used to beautify the grounds and make other improvements.As money became available buildings were built to house livestock during the Fair and horses during the Races. A grandstand was built as was a race track. Many areas of the grounds were used for production of crops and a beef herd was kept until 1959. Improvements continued to be made.To commemorate the 25th Fair in 1965, it was an "all free" Fair. Since that time no admission to the grounds has been charged. Both attendance and exhibits have grown to make Platte County Fair one of the largest in the State and possibly the Midwest.The first race meet was held in 1942 generating approximately $10, 000 in profit. Nearly all of the labor was donated the first few years. Profits continued to grow peaking at $ 366, 000 in 1987. This was the first year of intrastate simulcasting, with Ag Park being the first Nebraska track to broadcast their live meet to Omaha and Lincoln. Interstate simulcasting followed in 1989. Since then profits have declined due to rising expenses and competition for the entertainment dollar. However racing was once again profitable in 1999. A Race meet has been held each year since 1942.
