The last weekend of the first Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island is almost here, and the crowds are expected to be even bigger than they've seen so far. What draws the crowds to the state fair though are the attractions.

Chair of the State Fair Board Sallie Atkins says this year they've brought back some favorites and hired some new exhibitors to entertain fairgoers.

"There are a lot of attractions here at the state fair in Grand Island because we have over eight acres of a kids and family zone area," said Atkins. "I think families are going to find so many things here that are going to be great entertainment and education for the whole family."

Some attractions are popular year after year, as people like to continue their traditions of visiting places like Hedrick's Exotic Animal Petting Zoo.

"You see the families over there just laughing and crowding around all these attractions, so they must be very popular," Atkins said.

But this year, the traditional petting zoo and a huge midway are only a fraction of what's attracting the crowds. Matt Tucker with the 1st Nebraska Infantry is at the state fair for the second time.

"We're putting on a demonstration for what it would've been like to live 150 years ago. We have a civil war encampment set up trying to display what a company street would've looked like for a camp of infantry soldiers," Tucker said.

And after witnessing the transition to Grand Island first hand, he's glad he came back.

"I've had a couple people actually say this was their favorite exhibit, which makes us proud because we do a lot of work to make it look as authentic as we can," said Tucker.

From the brand new Rainforest Experience which promotes conservation, Robert Mullen says he's impressed with how many people the fair has brought out mid-week.

"These are beautiful facilities and this is going to be one of the premier fairgrounds in the country," Mullen said.

And while the Stuhr Museum, which is located in Grand Island, has been at the state fair before in Lincoln, they're glad to have the extra promotion close to home. Their interactive exhibit takes guests into Nebraska's past, but Curator of Research Jessica Wait says they're also looking ahead.

"It's been a very good experience. We've had a great time, great visitors, but you know it's the first year here, so we have a chance to change and learn and know what we can do better, bigger and better for next year," Wait said.

So while visitors enjoy this year's attractions - old and new - exhibitors and the State Fair Board agree, next year should be even better.

The state fair doesn't wrap up until Monday night, and there are still several concerts at the Heartland Event Center before then.

On Thursday night Casting Crowns takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. for a free performance. On Friday night Boys Like Girls will perform at 8:00 p.m., also for free. On Sunday, the 8:00 p.m. Martina McBride concert is almost sold out. Tickets are $25.00. And then one more free concert rounds out the fair, country star Josh Turner will entertain Labor Day crowds at 8:00 p.m.