GRAND ISLAND, Neb.- The Nebraska State Fair is acknowledging its executive director for her 25 years with the organization.

To Jaime Parr’s surprise staff, friends, and the State Board gathered on Friday to recognize her for her service.

“I was not expecting this...I didn’t realize it was my anniversary even, so this is very surprising to me today," Parr said.

Parr started back in July 1988 when the Fair took place in Lincoln. She started by helping people at the front counter who wanted to enter food items, photography, and artwork into competition.

After 25 years Parr says she feels great.

“Maybe I did know this subliminally but I kind of been reminiscing on that right now, and it feels really good to be in this position and I feel really good about where we are for Fair planning, and I’m just super excited for this year's fair. I didn’t realize how excited, but now I’m even more."

Parr became executive director in December of 2022 and she’s a month away from her first State Fair.