A lot has changed since 1895.
A lot hasn’t.
Hard work; it’s what Nebraskan’s are known for. At Aksarben, we began working hard in 1895 to address the most pressing needs of the state. Since the first Aksarben Ball in 1895, to the first Aksarben Stock Show in 1927 and the thousands of ways we’ve impacted the heartland since. We have awarded over $65 million in scholarships and community grants and we’re not finished yet.
The Aksarben Foundation Influence
Aksarben Ball
The Aksarben Ball was established in 1895 to recognize men, women and families across the heartland for their civic endeavors. Each year, Princesses, Escorts, Pages, Standard Bearers, Court of Honor and Citizens of the Year are chosen and celebrated and this annual fundraising event. The last Aksarben coronation was held in 2017. To learn more about the Aksarben Ball, click here.
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Aksarben Racetrack to Aksarben Village
After the remaining buildings and grandstand were torn down in early 2005, a proposal was put forth to create a mixed-use development called Aksarben Village. Construction began in 2006 and the first businesses opened in 2008. Baxter Arena, home to several of UNO’s sports teams, opened in October 2015.
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Aksarben Foundation’s Glorious Past
Aksarben has continually adapted its mission, programs and operation to meet the changing needs and promote the well-being of the heartland. The seeds of the organization that would come to be known as Aksarben were sown in the midst of calamitous economic conditions beginning in the mid-1890s.
AksarbenStock Show
The Aksarben Stock Show was established by the Aksarben Foundation in 1927 and has remained one of the largest livestock shows in the nation for over ninety years. Located in Grand Island, Nebraska, today the Aksarben Stock Show is produced and managed by the Nebraska State Fair.
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Preserving History
Honoring history is something the Aksarben Foundation has always tried to do. In the 1970’s, the Foundation saved the Omaha Orpheum Theater from being demolished. This is just one example of the many ways Aksarben has impacted the places you visit.
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