Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Exposition and Rodeo

Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Exposition and Rodeo

September

Billed as the "World's Largest 4-H Livestock Show," the Ak-Sar-Ben ("Nebraska" spelled backwards) Livestock Exposition and Rodeo in Omaha dates back to 1928, when its purpose was to get the state's young people interested in livestock breeding. It started out as a nationwide breed show, but thoroughbred racing became an important part of the event when, during the 1930s, parimutuel racing became legal—as long as it was administered by nonprofit organizations.
The exposition lasts five days and features a World Championship Rodeo, a Catch-a-Calf contest, and entertainment by well-known country and western stars. But the show's main purpose historically has been to showcase 4-H activities.

CONTACTS:
Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation
302 S. 36th St., Ste. 800
Omaha, NE 68131
402-554-9600; fax: 402-554-9609
www.aksarben.org

SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 111