Bounce houses replace carnival at 2024 Cherry County Fair

VALENTINE, Neb. - Cherry County fairgoers will notice some changes this year. The fair, running from August 7 to 11 at the fairgrounds in Valentine, will feature bounce houses instead of the usual carnival. Sixteen bounce houses, along with a mechanical bull and the Sandhills Sharp Shooters, will be set up for four days. Wristbands for unlimited access to the bounce houses throughout the entire fair are available for $40, which organizers said will be much more affordable than carnival tickets.

Fair organizers say that the change resulted from difficulties in switching carnival companies, leaving them unable to secure a new carnival on limited notice. They plan to gauge public feedback on the bounce houses this year and may consider bringing back the carnival in the future based on the response.

In addition to the bounce houses, the fair will also feature another new event on Thursday, August 8, following the parade. Attendees can enjoy steer roping, team tying, and ranch bronc riding at the fairgrounds.

You can also find a full list of the 4-H fair schedule here.