Fonner Park

The starting gate to Nebraska s five-track thoroughbred horse racing circuit opens each year at Fonner Park. The track in Grand Island, Neb., conducts a live meet from mid-February to mid-May. The jewel of Fonner s meet is the $100,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes in late April, the state s co-richest race. Other live meet highlights include craft shows, family activities, giveaways, recreational shows and special races. Fonner Park, which has operated a live meet since 1954, also offers a year-round simulcast program. Patrons can bet on races throughout the country, including tracks in Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. Besides horse racing, Fonner Park hosts numerous shows and events during the year. They include Antique, Home and Ag Expos; the Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Exposition; and Hall County Fair. The nonprofit organization will be home to the Heartland Events Center in 2006.