The Nebraska State Fair finished its 11-day run in Grand Island on Labor Day Monday with reason to celebrate. The fair had a 7.9 percent increase in attendance, finishing with an estimated 11-day total of 287,367 guests.

Almost perfect weather greeted fair guests over the 11 days, with only a single significant rain event. Talent and concerts were also a major attendance driver.

“This was one of the most diverse lineups of entertainment I have seen,” said Bill Ogg, the fair’s executive director. “Our genres included country, Christian, rap, Latino, oldies and comedy which gave our...