Oregon Trail Days

Schedule of Events

6:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Bicycle Hill Climb
 
Come test your endurance on this 1.6-mile hill climb time trial to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

You'll ride through Nebraska's only road tunnels, on the oldest existing concrete road in the state: Summit Road, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1937.

On your ride, you'll see layers of earth that were formed 33 to 22 million years ago. More geologic history is visible at Scotts Bluff than anywhere else in Nebraska.

The bluff top affords sweeping panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley, which was a major path for westbound travelers on the Oregon-California and Mormon Trails. On a clear day, Chimney Rock is visible 20 miles to the southeast, and Laramie Peak is visible 100 miles to the northwest.

Registration is $25 and includes a commemorative finisher's patch, race timing, awards ceremony and a ticket for lunch at Legacy of the Plains at 11am.

No onsite registration.

REGISTRATION

Fees:
Register in advance from now until Friday 7/12 at 11:59pm: $25
Payment: cash or check to Oregon Trial Days
Registration is limited to 100 riders.
We do allow motorized or electric bikes.

Prizes for top time - Men's and Women's

Contact: Aaron Raines 308-672-3346

Location: Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Chili Cook-off Registration Begins

36th Annual
Think you've got some good Chili? Come out to the 5 Rocks Amphitheater and put your skills to the test!
We will have music, food and fun here in Gering, while our Chili Cookers go to work.

REGISTRATION

Event Hours:
1:00-8:00pm
Public Tasting Begins:
3:00pm
Cook Set-up:
8:00am

Divisions:
CASI
Dry Bean
Barbeque
Green Chili
Jr. Red Chili (18 & under, adult supervision required)

Prizes:
Trophies: 1st through 3rd places
Showmanship and People's Choice Plaques: Awarded for CASI

Registration:
Registration starts at 8 a.m., however entries received before cook off date are greatly appreciated.

Fees:
CASI $25
Dry Bean $10.00
Barbeque $10.00
Green Chili $10.00
Jr. Red Chili $10.00

Contact:
Ron Schwab 307-359-8535
Chris Jackson 308-631-4960

Location: Five Rocks Amphitheater, 2505 D St, Gering, NE 69341

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Mud Volleyball
 
It's On!
Come on over to the 5 Rocks Amphitheater for some fun in the mud. Tournament starts at 9 am on Saturday.

REGISTRATION

There will be food vendors, the Chili Cook Off and beer garden open on the grounds.

Contact: Rebecca Shields 308-641-4018

Location: Five Rocks Amphitheater, 2505 D St, Gering, NE 69341

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Oregon Trail Days Parade Lineup Begins

Animals: Ace Hardware/Gering Senior Center

Theme: Trails To The Future

Contact: Rebecca Shields 308-641-4018

Location: Floats: Gering High School

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Craft Fair

Registration: Registration is first come first serve, so get yours in early. This is a great chance to get your hand made crafts out in front of a lot of people.

REGISTRATION

In order to reserve your spot, payment is required at the time of Registration.

Fees:
10x10 space $40
Food Vendors: $80

Contact:
Craft Vendors - call Peggy at 308-631-3842
Food Vendors - call Tammy at 308-631-1288

Location: Legion Park, 1215 N St, Gering, NE 69341

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Old Settlers Meeting Continues

Lunch After Parade

Contact: Joanee Fisher 308-436-4692

Location: Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St, Gering, NE 69341

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Vera Dulaney Memorial Art Show & Sale
 
Come on down to the Gering Civic Center, Friday and Saturday for some of the finest art in the area. With hundreds of submissions, you'll no doubt want to come both days to see it all.

Sponsored by Platte Valley Companies

Contact: Kathy Welfl - 308-641-3471

Location: Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St, Gering, NE 69341

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Oregon Trail Days Parade
 
Get to downtown Gering early, parking and sidewalk space fills up fast!

Come see a variety of spectacular Floats, Horses, Cars, Kids, and much more! CANDY AND SWAG CAN BE HANDED OUT THIS YEAR, BUT YOU HAVE TO WALK AS CLOSE TO THE CURB AS POSSIBLE AND HAND IT OUT. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO THROW IT FROM THE FLOAT.

Registration Information: Registration will take place THE DAY OF THE PARADE, at the Gering High School, starting at 8 am. Bands, cheerleaders and dancers meet at Gardner Park.

Registration Forms will be given out at the Gering High School that morning for floats wanting to be judged.

Entries must meet at the Gering High School Staging area before 8:30 a.m. to be considered for awards judging. FLOAT LINE UP IS 8-9 AM.

Decorating: PLEASE TRY TO HAVE YOUR FLOATS DECORATED BEFORE you arrive at the High School staging area.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Oregon Trail Days Luncheon

Don't miss the Oregon Trail Days Luncheon at Legacy of the Plains after the Big Parade. Serving sloppy joes, hot dogs and sloppy dogs.

While you are there for lunch, enjoy the real-life Oregon Trail Game. Play along and experience for yourself the pioneers' trials and tribulations as they traveled through our area.

Location: Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM: CASI Chili Cook-off
 
Think you've got some good Chili? Come out to the 5 Rocks Amphitheater and put your skills to the test!We will have music, food and fun here in Gering, while our Chili Cookers go to work.

Event Hours: 1:00-8:00pmPublic Tasting Begins: 3:00pmCook Set-up: 8:00amDivisions:CASIDry BeanBarbequeGreen ChiliJr. Red Chili (18 & under, adult supervision required)Prizes:Trophies: 1st through 3rd placesShowmanship and People's Choice Plaques: Awarded for CASIRegistration:

Registration starts at 8 a.m., however entries received before cook off date are greatly appreciated.Fees: CASI $25Dry Bean $10.00Barbeque $10.00Green Chili $10.00Jr. Red Chili $10.00

Contact:Ron Schwab 307-359-8535Chris Jackson 308-631-4960

Location: Five Rocks Amphitheater, 2505 D St, Gering, NE 69341

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Old Settlers Luncheon

Contact: Joanee Fisher 308-436-4692

Location: Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St, Gering, NE 69341

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Panhandle Quilt Guild - Regional Quilt Show

Located at The Gering Jr High, use the West Gym Entrance, this is a show that will knock your socks off!

Come on down and have a look at the incredible talent the Quilters of our area possess.

Registration information can be found on the Panhandle Quilt Guild website.

MORE INFORMATION

Location: Gering Junior High School, 800 Q St, Gering, NE 69341

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Horseshoe Tournament

Annual Horseshoe tournament. Come on down to the Oregon Trail Park horseshoe pits for our Annual Horseshoe Tournament!

Start Time: 1:00pm

Registration and Fee:
Registration is first come first serve, so come down early.

If possible please pre-register before hand. Please text me your name and age to Tim Shaske: 641-3377
Fee $20 per player
Event Start time: 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Tim Shaske: 641-3377

Location: Oregon Trail Park, 17TH Trail Ct, Gering, NE 69341

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Public Chili Tasting Begins

Beer Garden will be Open!

Location: Five Rocks Amphitheater, 2505 D St, Gering, NE 69341

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Frazier Shows Carnival
 
Come on out to the the 5 Rocks Amphitheater for some Carnival Fun!

Food, games and rides galore, there's something for everyone. Click below for wristband and ride information.

CARNIVAL TICKETS

Contact: Please Contact the Oregon Trail Days office at 308-436-4457 should you have any questions. We'll be happy to help!

Location: Five Rocks Amphitheater, 2505 D St, Gering, NE 69341

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Beer and Wine Tasting

Cost: $30, Tickets available at the door or Melt.

Five drink tickets with purchase along with personal charcuterie and melted chocolate fruit skewer.

Location: Melt Fondue, 1720 10th St, Gering, NE 69341

10:00 PM - 1:30 AM: Safe Ride Home Program

Community Volunteers will give you a safe ride to your final destination of the night. SERVICE IS FREE! Call - 308-633-6397