GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - - After 97 years the Aksarben Stock Show keeps on making history. 
 
The four day event kicked off Thursday with over 1200 exhibitors from 14 different states. 
 
Last year, almost 40,000 people attended the show. This year, sales Director Keaton Irwin said they are hoping for more, but that really isn’t the goal. 
 
 “The big thing is it’s not about the numbers. It just kind of getting everybody introduced, acclimated and allowing them kind of an outlet when they’re not inside the ring, when they are finish with school during the day here and they’re able to come here and just hang out,” said Irwin.
 
Agriculture Director Vaughn Sievers says that its another three weeks of commitment for competitors beyond school and other activities. 
 
“I think some people just strive just to be the top of their class and say they are successful at that, and meeting new friends and just camaraderie and getting to meet new people," Sievers. "I think that’s also a good part of what we do here as well.”
 
Sievers said youth learn life skills and they build long lasting relationships, something he enjoys about the job. 
 
“They learn how to win and they learn how to lose, and they build relationships and they know how to work,” said Sievers.
 
Besides the show, Irwin said there’s something for everyone including the marketplace, photo booth and areas for kids under 8 years old. 
 
This year, he said they added a movie theater, study hall, a library and more. 
 
“It’s kind of a  little depressing almost when the State Fair ends everybody packs up a leaves but this gives me a nice little taste of it again in a short period of time,” said Irwin. 
 
The free event goes until Sunday.