07/13/2026
As another Oregon Trail Days comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers who made SAFE Ride possible. Their willingness to give up two evenings with their own families and friends helped make our community celebration a safer one.
On Friday night, our volunteer drivers gathered at the Oregon Trail Days Office from 9:30 p.m. until calls stopped coming around 1:30 a.m. On Saturday, they were stationed behind the Five Rocks Amphitheater beginning at 7:30 p.m., ready to provide safe rides home for anyone attending the concert or enjoying Oregon Trail Days festivities throughout the evening.
This service would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We sincerely thank:
• ALLO
• Becky Horne & Reunited in Heaven
• Beta Seed Genetics, Sean Gross
• LOGOZ
• Platte Valley Bank
• Quality Beverages
• Riverstone Bank
• Union Bar & Grill
Your generosity makes it possible for SAFE Ride to offer free rides home during Oregon Trail Days, helping protect our friends, families, and neighbors.
We are also deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to keep our community safe while supporting our mission. Thank you to Chief Holthus, Captain Rogers, and every member of the Gering Police Department who served during Oregon Trail Days. Thank you to Sheriff Overman and the deputies of the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol troopers, and every public safety officer who worked to keep our roads and community safe.
Unfortunately, there were still DUI arrests and at least one traffic accident that we are aware of. We sincerely wish more people knew about SAFE Ride before making the decision to drive. If you believe in this mission, please help us spread the word throughout the year. The more people who know SAFE Ride is available, the more lives we may be able to protect.
Finally, thank you to everyone who called for a ride instead of taking a chance. Choosing a safe ride is a decision that protects not only you, but everyone else on the road. We’re honored that you trusted our volunteers to get you home safely.
To every volunteer, sponsor, law enforcement officer, and community member who supported SAFE Ride this Oregon Trail Days—thank you. Every safe ride matters. Together, we’re building a tradition where celebrating our community also means looking out for one another and making sure everyone gets home safely.
Not pictured: Kevin Fordyce