Join the summer fun at Oregon Trail Days in Gering, Nebraska! Events range from our Street Dance, to a Car Show, Chili Cook-Off, Parade, and much more. You will truly enjoy a trip to a simpler time with four days of family friendly events for all!

Gering, Nebraska is the home of Oregon Trail Days, Nebraska's Longest, Continuous Running Celebration. Our yearly event is rich in history, tradition, and hometown family entertainment. We invite you to learn more about our 100 plus year history. From the beginning in 1921, to the present day, we have an amazing journey to tell you about.

The days are long, the nights are hot, and Oregon Trail Days in Gering, Nebraska is lighting up the summer! Each year we have four days of amazing activities and events for all ages and areas of interest.

Schedule of Events

July 12, 2024

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Don Childs Memorial Five Mile Run

Do some running for a great cause! This year's Don Childs Run is shaping up to be a big success. Please be sure to get here early, you won't want to miss it!

You must pre-register to get a T-Shirt.

Medals are awarded at the end of the event.

This year's event will be one for the record books, we're sure!

Registration begins at 6 am in front of Main Street Appliance, 10th Street, Gering.
Registration accepted until 15 minutes before start time.

REGISTRATION FORM

Time:
Registration Starts: 6 a.m.
Start Time: 7 a.m.

Cost: $15

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

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Old Settlers Headquarters Opens

Contact: Joanee Fisher 308-436-4692

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

9:00 AM - 9:00 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.

Contact: Kathy Welfl - 308-641-3471

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Kiddie Parade

Bring your kiddos and join in the Fun!

Register: 9:15 - 9:30
Registration: Entries will meet at Legion Park starting at 9:15 am to enter, Parade will start at 10 am.
Please make sure not to throw candy from floats. Please hand it out as close to the curb as possible

Each kiddie entry receives 1 ride ticket to the Carnival!

Contact: Lisa Betz-Marquez 308-672-1114

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: After Kiddie Parade - Games in the Park

Games & Inflatables!

Contact: Rebecca Shields 308-641-4018

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

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

Old Settlers Officers:
President, George Schlothauer
Vice President, Barb Muhr
Half Century Officers:
President, Tim Hebbert
Vice President, Sandy Hebbert

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.

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

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Street Vault

Tentative Schedule: There will be one runway in use during the event. We are planning to set opening height at 4'6". Height increments of 6" will be applied.
Warm-up sessions will take place throughout the competition depending upon the number of vaulters at each height and length of time.
The goal will be to have a 10 minute warm up period every hour. All competitors will check in and give opening heights at 1pm.
We will begin the meet and run straight through.
?We will not be having separate competition for the different divisions.
On 10th Street, between Fresh Foods & Intertech, in Gering.

REGISTRATION FORM

Location: Fresh Foods, 1270 10th 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

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: International Food Fair

Friday evening, Main Street Gering will be on fire with ethnic cuisine from all over the world. Bring the family, grab your appetite and come on down. You won't regret it!

REGISTRATION

Contact: Bill Peters 308-631-0578

Location: Scotts Bluff County Court House, 1725 10th St #3, Gering, NE 69341

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Rod & Custom Car Show

Head down to 10th St in Gering on Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm for a vroomin' good time!

We will have Rods and Custom Cars from all over with their hoods up, ready for you to look over.

During this time, the Food Fair will be in full swing just down the street. Bring your family and come out for Food, Fun and hot Rods!

REGISTRATION

Location: Scotts Bluff County Court House, 1725 10th St #3, Gering, NE 69341

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Free Concert

Performance by the Gering City Band

Location: Legion Park, 1215 N 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

July 13, 2024

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

July 14, 2024

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pickleball Tournament

1st Annual Oregon Trail Days Pickleball Tournament

Come on over to the City of Gering Pickleball Courts for a fun tournament!

REGISTRATION

Contact: Trey Winkler 308-631-8713

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

12:00 PM - 4:00 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

5:00 PM - 10:00 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

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Gospel Jubilee

All are welcome! Swing on by for a great time!

Contact: Tim Hebbert 308-631-8413

Location: Legion Park, 1215 N 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

Date: July 12-14, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Gering, NE 69341

Click Here for more infomration