Nemaha County Fair exhibitors and spectators did not wilt from the heat in the commercial building on the fairgrounds. Those who volunteered in the booths no longer had to bring portable fans or cool themselves with hand fans.

For the first time, the building was air conditioned in 2012. Representatives of several exhibitors Friday morning, July 13, reacted to the change. There were booths from businesses, organizations and political parties.
“I haven’t heard a negative thing about it. It’s wonderful,” said Maxine Schatz, Nemaha County Agricultural Society director.
“It’s wonderful after last year. It’s quite pleasant. It’s quite an addition,” said Mary Kruger. She represented the Nemaha County Development Foundation.
“I love it. The girl who was here last year said to dress cool. She said it was miserable all day long. Hope people will spend more time here,” said Cindy DeFreece of the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. DeFreece even wore long sleeves at her booth.
“I love it. We’ve had a good crowd come in compared to last year,” said Kayleigh Whisler. She is youth coordinator and project assistant with the Nemaha Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse (NADAA) Coalition.
“It’s already proven to be a valuable improvement to the fair,” said Laura Osborne, NADAA Coalition director.

“I love it. It was really good last night (Thursday, July 12). It will be perfect for tonight with the crowd,” said Shelly Nelsen, branch manager, Great Western Bank.
“I like it. The last time I was in here, it was not air conditioned. It’s not bad now. When it’s 100˚, this place will be packed with people cooling off,” said Kevin Kock, business banker, agricultural lending, Great Western Bank.
“It feels really good in here. It is a lot different to what it was last year. It is a very nice improvement,” said Amber Ryan, Good Samaritan Society-Auburn Home Health.
“It’s a big step up. It’s a better environment for items from the (Nemaha Valley) Museum. We are not so worried about what will happen to them. People will be more inclined to stay longer in their booth,” said Lonnie Neddenriep, Nemaha Valley Museum board member.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Museum’s booth featured a display from a county municipality. This year, Nemaha was the featured community. Fair visitors looked through history books, Nemaha High School annuals and watched a DVD. Auburn led off the displays in 2007 in celebration of the its 125th anniversary. Peru will be featured in 2013.