Meeting and Event Facilities

Eppley Lodge, 4H Camp
Contact: Connie Cox (308) 533-2224Ccox05@unl.edu
The Eppley Lodge is one of the most endearing main lodge facilities in the state with air-conditioned spaces and a grand ballroom with a surrounding balcony.  The ballroom and dining hall comfortably seat 200.  There are two conference rooms seating 30-40 guests. The Outdoor Education Center has space for 25. On-site full-service dining, providing nutritious and tasty food. Catering options available to accommodate all group sizes.

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp has capacity for 170 overnight guests. Each modern cabin is heated and has a bathroom with shower or access to a bath/shower house.

Thomas County Fairgrounds

The fair building, pavilion and arena are available for rental year-round. For information, contact Alice Hodges at 308-645-7397

Location: The Thomas County Fairgrounds is located in the Nebraska Sandhills at the crossroads of Highway 83 and Highway 2, one mile east of Thedford.

Main Building: The main building at the fairgrounds is available year-round for family reunions, wedding receptions, meetings, conferences, craft fairs and special events.

The building includes one large room, approximately 100′ x 50′ with a seating capacity of 250 – 300. There are 300 chairs and 20 tables. Stage, podium, and sound system are available. A full kitchen is located near the main entrance. It includes plenty of counter space, stove, refrigerator, microwave and pop cooler. There is also a pass-through window for snack bar style service. Restrooms are available in lobby area.

Pavilion: The open-air Pavilion is located beside the Main Building. It measures 50′ X 150′ and is enclosed on one end with a stage. There are eight folding picnic tables and 60 plastic chairs. Lights and electrical outlets are located throughout the Pavilion. Windscreens have been installed along the length of the Pavilion to ensure weather will not interfere with your event.

Arena: The Arena is available for rodeo, bull riding, team roping, horsemanship clinics and horse shows. The arena is fully lit and suitable for evening events. There is seating capacity for 300 with two sections of bleachers, one covered. There are six livestock pens for bucking stock and four pens for timed-events, roping box and four bucking chutes. The crow’s nest has lights and electrical outlets. There is plenty of room for parking and camping on the grounds.