Looking for something to do? The following is a list of annual events
that you will want to check out!
For more events click on the Community Calendar!
Spooktacular
Each year, near the end of October, the Spooktacular is held at Riverside Zoo.
The Zoo is decorated with over 400 pumpkins! Trick or treat stands hand out
candy which donated by local merchants, and visitors are treated to at truly
‘Spooktacular’ Halloween displays throughout the zoo grounds, such as
'Pirates of the Caribbean’, Ice Age, Madagascar, as well as new and colorful light
display! For more information, call the Zoo at 308-630-6226.
Cinco de Mayo
A variety of cultural activities are planned for this annual May event, commemorating
the victory by Mexican forces in 1962 over the French in the Battle of Puebla,
when Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza's Mexican troops defeated Napolean III"s French
forces, including a parade, pageant, children’s play, delicious, authentic Mexican
food and vendors at the Guadalupe Center, as well as dancing by the Los
Guadalupanos Dancers, entertainment, and a variety of demonstrations. Proceeds
from this event are used for scholarships for minority high school students pursuing
a secondary education. For more information, call the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber
of Commerce at 308-632-2133.
Greek Festival 308-262-1825
428 Main St, Bridgeport, NE
August 15 (or the first weekend following that date) to commemorate the feast
day of the Assumption Orthodox church in Bayard, a Greek Festival has been
held each year since the church’s origin in 1926. It is a 2 day event drawing
hundreds of people to savor authentic Greek foods, listen and dance to Greek 
music, and sample the Greek culture. Foods included are tyropetas (cheese-filled
phyllo dough triangles), loukoumathes (Greek donuts), authentic pastries, Greek
salad, gyros, souvlakia (lamp or pork dabobs), loukinalo (Greek sausage, and
beverages. A traditional Greek dinner is served on Sunday including, served,
including lamb (baked fresh that morning), beef, Greek potatoes, salad,
spanakopita (spinach-filled phyllo), feta cheese, a hard roll, karithopita (walnut cake),
and a drink. Tickets are available at the event held at Prairie Winds Community
Center in Bridgeport.
Bluegrass Festival
Enjoy the sweet sounds of bluegrass music while visiting a 60 acre taste of the
Old West. Oregon Trail Wagon train is located south of Bayard Nebraska across
from Chimney Rock. This living history attraction is along the North Platte River
in the tracks of the historic Oregon Trail. Onsite camping available for tent or RV.
Our famous chuck wagon cookout will be available each evening. This fabulous meal
includes seasoned rib eye steaks cooked over a wood fire, creamed green beans, 
potato, warm sourdough bread and homemade ice cream all served in the western
style. For prices for camping and the cookout as well as other concessions see the
website.
Sugar Valley Rally
The Sugar Valley Rally is one of Western Nebraska’s great summer events for people
of all ages. It is a three day rally race held in June based on ‘The Great Race’ and is the
second largest gathering of vintage cars in the country featuring a precision driving contest.
Enjoy a weekend celebration of historic automobiles and a spirited competition
including approximately 70 authentic pre-1952 antique vehicles and about 5000
spectators.
Sugar Valley Rally Arts & Crafts Festival
This June event his held annually in Frank Park and is actually 5 years older than the Sugar
Valley Rally itself. It features 100 vendors from 7 states and hands on booths for children,
including face painting and a bean bag through. Food and entertainment are also available.
Christmas on the Prairie 308-436-4340
Scottsbluff National Monument
Early in December, children are invited to the Scotts Bluff National Monument to
celebrate a 19th century Christmas. This holiday event brings a prairie Christmas
back to life and includes staff wearing period clothing, refreshments, live music,
and children and parents making Christmas decorations. For more information
call the Scotts Bluff National Monument .
Fiesta de Indepencia
Held annually in mid-September at the Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff. Activities
include traditional Mexican dancing, craft tables, and a pageant. For more
information, call the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce at
(308) 632-2133.
Scottsbluff County Fair
Each August the Scotts Bluff County fair is an annual celebration at the Scotts
Bluff County Fair Grounds in Mitchell, NE. Highlights include the Rubber Check 
Race, Parade, Rodeo, Queen and scholarship competition, 4-H Exhibits and concert,
and The Galaxy of Stars talent search. For more information, visit the website.
Oregon Trail Days 308-436-4457
Downtown Gering, NE
For over 85 years, the second weekend of July marks Nebraska’s oldest celebration.
It is a four-day event welcoming visitors to experience the history of the Oregon
Trail in a truly western event with parades, concerts, street dances, food fairs and
art shows. Featured highlights include the Chili Cook-Off, Bed Races, the Oregon
Trail Art Show, Kiddie Parade, Grand Parade and concert at the Five Rocks
Amphitheatre. For more information and a schedule of events call 308-436-4457.
Gering Arts Festival 308-436-6886
Legion Park, 12 & N Streets, Gering, NE
This unique open air arts festival features over 70 premier fine artist’s talents from 
the region in a Juried Show. Their wonderful art lines the central pathways
throughout Legion Park and non profit community booths offer activities for kids.
The performance stage features, on-going live entertainment, and delicious food
offer patrons a ‘feast for the senses’ during the summer’s art experience and event.
Free. Call the Gering Arts Festival Committee for more information.
Kidz Explore
A family festival of fun and learning with hands on activities for children ages 12 and
under. Kidz Explore is a family festival weekend of fun and learning with hands on for
kids ages 12 and under. Over 30 vendors come together for the weekend. Kids can
shop at the Kidz Explore Grocery store. Work on Kidz Explore cars in the U Fix It Garage
and many other exciting activities. Held annually the third weekend in October. For
more information contact Kelley Zwetzig at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 308-632-9030
Theatre West Garden Walk
Theater west hosts an annual garden walk in June, opening area gardens to all! Door
prizes are given away at each garden site. Come experience the gardens in full bloom.
Call 635-6193 for tickets and information.
United Way Duck Dash 308-635-2522
The United Way Duck Dash is held every fall. Over 15,000 rubber yellow ducks are
purchased for $5 a piece. They are dropped into the North Platte River and float to
the finish line. There are 20 great prizes for the first 20 ducks across the finish line,
such as a new Dodge Ram Pickup, $500 Wal-Mart gift certificate and more.
Old West Weekend
Over 800 students march down the streets of Broadway during the Old West
Weekend Marching Band Competition held for over 20 years each October. It has
become a tradition for jr high and high school bands as well as the spectators that
travel to see it. Area bandsmarch during the parade  competition as well as perform
during the field competition held at Bearcat Stadium.
Festival of Hope 308-632-3217
Mitchell Events Center Donna Polar/Platte Valley Companies
The Festival of Hope is a grass roots fund-raising event organized by volunteers committed
to assist area cancer patients during the treatment process. To raise money, community
volunteers come together and organize an enjoyable day which includes ceremonies,
wonderful food, entertainment, and a silent auction.
Camp Clarke Days
Camp Clarke Days in an annual tradition in Bridgeport, NE and includes a full weekend
full activities for families to enjoy, including entertainment, fishing contests, a parade,
quilt show, horsehoe tournament, talent show, and softball tournament.
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