Oregon Trail Days

Dr. Don Gentry page 7 page 8 Bonnie Ingwerson

Kiddie Parade

page 5

Oregon Trail Days Gering COURIER www.geringcourier.com Star-Herald www.starherald.com

Celebrate

FILE PHOTO The 95th annual Oregon Trail Days Parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9. Line up will begin at 8 a.m. at the Gering High School for floats, Johnson Cashway for people with animals. This year’s theme is “It’s an Oregon Trail Journey.”

95th annual OT Days

F

rom a Mud Volleyball Tournament to a quilt show, from a Kiddie Parade to a Chili Cook-Off there will be something for everyone at this year’s Oregon Trail Days celebration.

This year’s 95th annual celebration will start with the Kickoff Barbecue and Street Dance at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. The activities will be taking place throughout Gering until the final Gospel Jubilee Sunday, July 10 in Legion Park at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., Legacy of the Plains will host a Family Barbecue Lunch.

In this special section you will get a look at a number of the different events. You will also meet the Old Settlers Honorary Vice-president and President.

Enjoy the section and better yet, enjoy the 95th annual Oregon Trail Days.

FILE PHOTO From Peterbelt trucks to bicycles to Ninja Turtles the Friday, July 8 Kiddie Parade is a popular event designed with kids in mind. The parade starts with registration in Legion Park from 9:15-9:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m.

INSIDE: Quilt Show 2 Art Show 2 Don Childs Run 3 Safe Ride 3 Pancake Feed 4 Car Show 4 Kiddie Parade 5 Honorary Vice-President 7

Honorary President 8

Chili Cook-Off 9

Mud Volleyball 10

Parade 11

Hill Climb 11

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Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

Quilt Show offers large display for silver jubilee

By JEFF Smith Star-Herald The Quilt Show for Oregon Trail Days will offer some surprises this year for the viewing audience.

The Quilt Show has been a staple of the Oregon Trail Days for 25 years. The Panhandle Quilt Guild was looking for a place to showcase the quilt show but met several obstacles.

Oregon Trail Days seemed like a good fit for the group.

Cindy Scheinost, the organizer for the quilt show, said that the theme for the Oregon Trail Days of remembering life on the

Oregon trail was something the Guild wanted to be a part of.

“This is what women actually did when the Oregon Trail was happening,” said Scheinost.

Scheinost said it was a good pairing and the result has been a happy collaboration with the Oregon Trails organizers.

People can come to the Gering Zion Church throughout the duration of the weekend of Oregon Trail Days to see the quilts. The quilt show will be held at that location July 8-10 from noon to 5 p.m.

Scheinost said there are usually 120-130

quilts at the event.

“We always have a nice selection of quilts and I’m sure we will have them again this year,” said Scheinost, “they range from new modern quilts to antiques.”

The Panhandle Quilt guild has 93 members and there are members that come from Alliance, Sidney, Harrison, Scottsbluff/Gering and around the Chadron area.

Scheinost said the group is sort of unique in terms of quilt guilds.

“Most are in town and stick to that locality, but we draw from quite the area,” said Scheinost.

OTD Art Show fest for art lovers

One of the surprises for the quilt show is a special challenge project which will be on display called “Now and Then, I Remember.”

Scheinost said there were some guidelines in term of size for these quilts. They also had to use a piece of fabric which is 25 years or older and make it look modern.

Back at the beginning of the Guild year in September a silver piece of cloth was agreed upon to use since that is the color to use for 25 years.

At 1 p.m., on both July 8 and July 9 there will be a presentation on the historical ref-

erences in the “Trails Across Western Nebraska” quilt.

There will be a 30-minute program explaining a little bit of how it was made.

It was made over 10 years ago. There is a pictorial scene that illustrates the different trails across western Nebraska.

The Guild made the quilt and donated it to the Legacy of the Plains museum.

“We thought we really had something special and it is something that we wanted to be with the community on a permanent basis,” said Scheinost.

Scheinost said it

hasn’t been seen that much because of the renovations at Legacy of the Plains Museum.

On July 10 Robidoux Pass will be providing country/folk music to enjoy while looking at the quilts.

The drawing for a quilt and silent auction will conclude in the late afternoon on July 10.

Viewer’s choice voting ends at 5 p.m. on July 9. People can return on Sunday and see the which quilts received the most votes.

“It’s a little fun and there’s some participation for people who come in,” said Scheinost. jsmith@starherald.com

Carnival fun

By DEAN Torske Star-Herald

for sale in order for it to be included,” said Vera Dulaney. “We are really trying to The Oregon Trail promote the artists as Days art show and well. We’ve sold a lot sale will be entering its 34th year as part of of art over the years.”

The art show has the festivities. It will always done very well once again be held in years past. Art lovat the Gering Civic ers from all over visit Center as it has been the show to see some since the civic center of the best works from opened more than 20 the region. years ago.

Mary Hunt, GretchThe art show has en Peters, Tom Samalways been a great son, Peg Fowler, Milway to get out of the dred Wright and Yeleheat and take a break na Khanevskaya are from the sun while just a few of the local still taking part in artists that will have the weekend of festivpieces in the show. ities. It also provides All of the artwork is exposure to the artists giving a venue for the first judged at a juried show before it’s selectpublic to see, or even buy a wonderful work ed to be a part of the Oregon Trail Days art of art. show.

The art show will The show opens to offer local and regionFILE PHOTO the public on July 7, al works by 23 artists The Frazier Shows Carnival will run from July from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. representing six dif7-10 at Five Rocks The exhibit will also ferent states. Since Amphitheather. Special each artist will have a be open on July 8 from wristband pricing is set of panels to display 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on offered with rides and July 9, from 9 a.m. to their art, there will games for all ages. be hundreds of pieces 3 p.m.

For more informaon display. Also, every piece on display at the tion, please contact Vera Dulaney at 436art show will be for 2603 or 436-6604. sale. dean.torske@starherald.com “The art has to be

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Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

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Don Childs Memorial Five Mile Run

More than just something to do

By MORGAN Wallace Gering Courier On Friday, July 8, runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Don Childs Memorial Five Mile Run. Registration for the run will be at 6 a.m., but the run does not start until 7 a.m.

Runners and walkers can register until 15 minutes before the race starts. The sign-up cost is $10 and includes a T-shirt.

The five miles, which is half uphill and half downhill, starts near the Gering Bakery on Tenth Street and goes up to the Monument Ranger station before coming back and retracing the route.

According to Gering’s head track coach and event organizer Randy Plummer, the race is early because people enjoy being done before it gets too hot.

“It’s more than anything just something to do on Oregon Trail Days that would be productive, wholesome and healthy,” Plummer said.

Plummer said he has organized the event

FILE PHOTO Gering’s Hadley Kirk and Allison Witcofski cross the finish line in the Don Childs Memorial Run. The run takes place Friday morning. Registration is at 6 a.m. on 10th Street and the run begins at 7 a.m.

for the same number of years he has been the head track coach at Gering, 28 years, and says it is the other responsibility of the track coach. Also helping him out from Gering Public Schools are Randy Johnson, Don Kugler, Eldon Hubbard, Steve Land and Plummer’s wife, Deb, and a few of her friends.

“Oregon Trail Days is the event that people look forward to in

Gering. A lot of people come out and run, the last few years it’s been around 200 people,” Plummer said.

Last year 30-39 age division winner Brittany Hubbard, who finished with a time of 37:08, runs the event for fun.

“Really, I just like coming back for Oregon Trail Days and seeing family and friends.

This is just a fun part of it,” Hubbard said. “I

like to run so I think this is a great community event for Oregon Trail Days.”

He said running is something healthy and good for people to do and because so many people travel down for the annual celebration, many runners have the chance to reconnect people they haven’t seen in years.

Plummer said the group doesn’t use computer chips like many

FILE PHOTO

Runners near the finish line in the annual Don Childs Memorial Run. The 5K run is held Friday, July 8. Registration begins at 6 a.m. and the start is set for 7 a.m.

large races do, so the top priority is making sure all of the runners are placed and timed properly.

“We just try to run a good race and make sure people enjoy it,” Plummer said. morgan.wallace@starherald.com

Offering a safe ride home

By AARON Seaney Star-Herald

to go,” said Betz-Marquez. “We cover the whole valley, too. We have taken people to Oregon Trail Days Lyman, Torrington, has plenty to offer Minatare, anywhere every year, from the that the driver feels parades, to the chili cook offs, to the famous comfortable going to.

Most of the rides howbeer garden, there are ever are in Gering and events going on for all ages. For those over 21, Scottsbluff to their home or the hotel they however, one organiare staying at.” zation is making sure With the Citizen bethat a fun time during Oregon Trail Days still ing located so close to most of the happenings means a safe time. you can also walk in Liza Betz-Marquez and request a ride as from the Gering Citiwell. zen started up some“For people who thing called Safe Rides walk in we have pizza five years ago after and water that is all seeing a need for it on donated for them,” said social media.

Betz-Marquez. “That “It started from a conversation that hap- way we can also host people here while they pened on Facebook are waiting because it about how people generally gets pretty were excited about busy from 12:30 to 1 Oregon Trail Days and then the conversa- a.m. so there may be a slight wait time.” tion turned and they The drivers start started talking about drinking and driving,” picking people up at 10 p.m. and all drivers said Betz-Marquez. are there on a volun“They were saying teer basis. Some busithat it was too bad they didn’t have a way nesses have even gotten behind the cause to to get people home lend a hand. safely. So it gave me “The drivers are in the idea to start doing no way affiliated with something like this.” the Citizen or the Trail Now for those who feel they are unable to Days committee. They are volunteers who get themselves home safely they can contact the Gering Citizen where a team of drivers will be waiting to give them a ride home after a night of celebrating.

“We have two people to man the phone lines and then when someone calls they tell us how many they have and where they are and where they need

are using their own gas, own car, and own insurance. They are people who just want to see people get home safe,” said Betz-Marquez. “This year will be easier for us too because we have a bus stationed at the Civic Center. Plus the manager from the Comfort Inn is going to be driving the hotel van again this year to take people home.”

Betz-Marquez said that really it’s the volunteers and the businesses that make the whole program possible.

“We are so thankful that businesses want to get involved and drive people because there are just so many people down town just having a good time,” said Betz-Marquez.

“Since buzzed driving really is drunk driving this allows every one to have a good time and wake up safe in their beds the next day.”

The program will run Friday and Saturday night and they are still looking for volunteer drivers. If you wish to drive you can get a hold of Kevin Fordyce at 308-765-1408.

Health Care 24/7 Have a safe and enjoyable Oregon Trail Days weekend!

4021 Avenue B | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308.635.3711 | rwhs.org

For those looking for a ride you can call 308-633-6397 or stop by the Citizen at 1447 10th street in Gering. While waiting for a ride know that all drivers will be in either a lime green or orange t-shirt that say Safe Ride and has the Oregon Trail Days logo on it. Most vehicles will also be donning a magnet on the side to identify themselves.

aseaney@starherald.com

Contact Shain

(308) 436-2840 Gering, NE

www.westplainsllc.com

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Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

Benefit Pancake Feed

Mixing up the batter, serving a winner

By MIG Garcia Gering Courier

people each year.

“We love getting involved with the community and this is a On the morning of great way to do that,” the Oregon Trail Days parade, while everyone senior player Kaylee Bohnsack said. “In the is enjoying some time past we have had great with one another as a community support. community, one could We’re hoping for a also be enjoying some good turnout this year pancakes made by the as well.”

Gering High School The pancakes that girl’s softball team. are served during the Most sports teams morning of the parade do a couple of fundare made fresh right raisers for their team then and there by the whether it be for uniplayers themselves. forms, traveling or Not only do the girls any other expenses that may be necessary. serve pancakes, but they will be serving For the Gering High sausage as well. In School softball girls, between some bites their pancake benefit of freshly made panis their only form of cakes, people can take fundraising for their sips of either juice or whole season. coffee which will also For about 16 years, be available to any of the GHS girls softball team has been making the customers who go to their stand. and serving pancakes Bohnsack says that for the Gering commua goal that they’re nity on Oregon Trails reaching for is to have Days. Each year they have had a particular- each player sell at least ly great turnout. Kaet- 21 tickets for the benelyn Todd said that they fit. She is also hoping usually see around 100 for another great turn-

out for this year.

“I personally feel like the benefit is good,” junior player Marley Garcia said.

“There’s usually a good turnout and it gives the team the chance to bond.”

The idea for the pancake benefit was started awhile back when Molly Richter was still coaching the team. Since then, the team has decided to continue with the feed. Bohnsack said that it has become more of a tradition for the team.

“It’s amazing to see everyone and their families,” Todd said.

“I hope people enjoy coming and chowing down before the parade. It’s a blessing to put a smile on people’s faces.”

The girl’s pancake station will be located at Gardner Park and the girls will be selling pancakes from seven to nine the morning of the parade on Saturday.

FILE PHOTO Members of the Gering Softball team prepare pancakes for the annual Benefit Pancake Feed. The feed is held Saturday, July 9 from 7-9:30 a.m. at Gardner Park. The cost is $4.

Rod and Custom Car Show

Enjoy warm Oregon Trail Days and cool cars

By STEVE Frederick Star-Herald

there and get set up.”

Other sponsors are Midwest Auto, High Plains Budweiser, One of the warmest Johnson Cashway and days of the summer Logoz screen-printing. will feature some of the They provide funding valley’s coolest cars. for free T-shirts for the The 12th annual Rod first 99 entries.

N Custom Car Show Five trophies will be will set up Friday, July awarded, one by the 8, during Oregon Trail car club and four decidDays. The show, which ed by entrants. featured about 100 cars But for the most part, last year, will take the show for participlace on 10th Street pants is mostly about in Gering, just up the resting in the shade street from the Internaand showing off their tional Food Fair. favorite rides.

There’s no cost to “It’s a fun time,” enter your vehicle or Minzey said. “It’s an to see the cars. All you easygoing, relaxing have to do is show up. time.”

Mike Minzey of FILE PHOTO For more informaScottsbluff Valley The annual Rod and Custom Car Show held in front of the Scottsbluff County Courthouse is a draw for young and tion, call 308-635-3878.

Street Rods, the car old. The show runs from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, July 8. sfrederick@starherald.com club that organizes had motorcycles and hours. We get about run the risk of remainthe event, describes scooters. We like a 5,000 people going ing there for the duraentrants as car fans large variety because it through, just because tion of the show. who are proud of their attracts more people.” of the food fair.”

“The streets will not vehicles.

The street is cleared Setup begins at 3 p.m. be blocked off until 3.

“The variety is endprior to the food fair Cars parked on the The entries will have less, from antiques on and the car show, which street after that time between 3 and 5 to get up to present day. It runs from 5 to 9 p.m. can be a custom or an “It’s right in front of original,” he said. “The the courthouse, in the muscle cars are big street,” he said. “It’s right now. We’ve had right next to the food a grain truck. We’ve fair, during the same had a tanker. We’ve

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

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Kiddie Parade & After Kiddie Parade Games

Parade for the young ones

By IRENE North Star-Herald

Each child that participates in the parade will receive a Gering swimming pass and a carnival ride ticket.

Robinson expects registration to be packed, but assures that everyone who wants to participate will be able to do so.

“No one gets turned away. We will get them in,” she said. “We just want everyone to have a really good time.”

After the Kiddie Parade will be the street games in downtown Gering for children.

Activities and events include a penny toss, cotton ball roll and inflatables.

For more information about the parade, contact Crystal Sandberg at 436-2858 or Mary Robinson at 436-7881. For more information about the street games, contact Tanya Cherry at 4362310.

For 63 years, children have been dressing up and participating in the Kiddie Parade at Oregon Trail Days. This year, more than 750 children are expected to participate in the event.

Organizers of the kiddie parade welcome anyone who wish to participate. Participants need to be in some sort of costume, which can be as simple

inorth@starherald.com

FILE PHOTO Dressed up in all kinds of different outfits the Oregon Trail Days Kiddie Parade is all about the kids. Line up for the parade begins at 9:15 in Legion Park and the parade starts at 10 a.m.

as matching t-shirts.

“The more creative the better,” said Mary Robinson, co-organizer. “The key thing is we want everybody to have fun and enjoy the parade.”

Robinson said she doesn’t see too many people dressed in matching t-shirts and hats. Many go “all out” in their costumes.

“They come dressed to the nines,” she said.

“They really use their imagination and creativity.”

Robinson said she has seen people dress up animals to participate, including, dogs, rabbits and goats.

“I’ve seen one person who dressed a cat with lion fur around its face,” she said.

In addition to children participating, there are also floats, which Robinson said

children love to see.

“It’s not just individual costumes, whole groups come,” she said. “We usually have a float from the Torpedos and daycare floats.”

Any vehicles entered into the parade must be human-powered.

Pedal cars are allowed.

Anything motorized will not be allowed.

There are 13 categories to choose from when entering — decorated bicycles, wild west, girl and boy clowns, nursery rhymes and storybook characters, entertainers, faraway lands, patriotic characters, sports, general, pets, prehistoric and dinosaurs, art and creative costumes and horse.

“If you don’t fit somewhere else, you’ll go in general,” Robinson said. “As for pets, we’ve had dogs, bunnies and goats, and we even had a couple of chickens one year.”

Scouts and the Gering Elementary band will also be participating in the parade. The drug-free clowns from Gering Junior High, Gering cheerleaders and the Gering Dance team will also be in attendance. The older

FILE PHOTO A patriotic Blakely Horne takes part in the Oregon Trail Days’ Kiddie Parade that takes place Friday, July 8 at 10 a.m.

students will be leading the groups in the 12 categories and will be holding signs identifying their category.

Adults will also be on hand for supervision and help as the parade progresses.

Registration is from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Legion Park. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at 12th and O at the edge of the park.

It will travel south on 10th street for one block and then back.

FILE PHOTO After the Kiddie Parade kids will find fun games a n d a c t ivi t i e s o n 10 t h Street Friday, July 8.

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Gering COURIER/Star-Herald Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

DIAMOND LEVEL

PLATINUM LEVEL

PREMIUM LEVEL High Plains Feed Yard Dallas Larsen Memorial/Vista Beam S & S Plumbing GOLD LEVEL 2016 SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY FAIR 4-H & FFA AKSARBEN Foundation YOUTH ACTIVITIES – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Bluffs Sanitary Supply • Fisher Roofing Hampton Inn & Suites High Plains Budweiser Sandberg Implement • Walmart

BRONZE LEVEL

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 – ALL PROJECTS FOR FAIR MUST BE PRE-ENTERED. (ENTRY FORMS DUE TO UNL EXTENSION OFFICE OR ENTERED ONLINE)

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2016 Clothing Styling and Construction Judging – Panhandle Research & Extension Center 8:30–1 am ...............................Clothing Styling and Static Exhibit Judging for all Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting, Attention Shoppers, Shopping in Style projects 1 pm ..........................................................Table Setting Contest 3 pm .........................................................Public Clothing Revue 4 pm ......... Competition BB & Sporter Air Rifle – Events Center FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 3 pm ................................. Trap (all divisions) – Mitchell Trap Club SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2016 7 am ..................................... 4-H Horse Check-in – Grandstand 8 am ..................................................... 4-H Horse Show Begins 8 am ..........4-H Shooting Sports Fair Shoot – Mitchell Trap Club

5 H Farming • Absolute Painting • Arby’s Backaracks Steakhouse & Grill • Betaseed Danny Weinreis Family – HorizonWest Inc. Ideal Linen • Inland Trucking • J G Elliott Co. Panhandle Coop • Perkins Restaurant Pioneer Animal Clinic • Pizza Hut Platte Valley Ag Products (Traditional BB Gun, Air Rifle, .22, Archery) SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2016 Platte Valley Companies 8 am ............................... 4-H Dog Show Check-in – Sanford Hall Regional West Medical Center • VAP Construction 8:30 am ..................................................................4-H Dog Show

BOOSTER SPONSORS Western States Bank

EQUIPMENT SPONSORS

21st Century Equipment • 4 Play Off Road Clint Lackman • Darnell Farms • Don Cearns Family Heilbrun’s Napa Auto • Hoffman Farms HorizonsWest Inc • Hubbard Show Lambs Kister Farms • Murphy Tractor • NE Machinery Powerline Angus • Simplot • Sandberg Implement Scott Sauer • Steve’s Truck & Equipment United Rentals • Wes Ullrich Farms

IN-KIND SPONSORS

City Of Mitchell/Electric/Water Depts • Committee Chairs Hometown Radio • KNEB • Local FFA Advisors Local 4-H Volunteers • Mitchell City Police Dept.

Mitchell Volunteer Fire Dept. & EMT Services Scotts Bluff County Extension Office Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Dept. • Star Herald Valley Ambulance • Scotts Bluff County Fair Volunteers

Noon–3 pm ..................Enter 4-H Static Exhibits – Events Center (INCLUDING: Foods, Gardening, Field Crops)

12:30–2 pm.................... Weigh-in/Ultrasound Sheep – FFA Barn Weigh-in Market Goats – FFA Barn (includes Meat & Dairy) 2–3:30 pm ......................... Weigh-in/Ultrasound Beef – FFA Barn 4–8 pm ........................................ Weigh-in Swine – According to Club time slot – Livestock Barn 8 pm ...................................................................Fair Kickoff Party MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016 8 am .. Swine Showmanship Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion Clover Kid Swine Showmanship FFA Swine Showmanship 4-H Swine Showmanship (Show Order: Junior, Intermediate, Senior) 3 pm (Or following the Swine show) ........... Dairy Goat Show Fremont Livestock Pavilion Clover Kid Goat Showmanship Dairy Classes – Showmanship, Breeding, Market 3:45 pm ..................... Check in for Cat/Companion Animal Show 4 pmCat/Companion Animal Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion Show Order: Clover Kid Misc. Small Animal Showmanship, Misc. Small Animal Classes Clover Kid Cat Showmanship Cat Classes TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016 8 am .............. Market Swine Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion FFA Market Swine 4-H Market Swine (Show Order: Non-Market, Light, Medium, Heavy) 3 pm (Or following the Swine Show) ........................ Fiber Animal Show Fremont Livestock Pavilion (Show Order: Clover Kid Goat Showmanship,

4-H Sheep Market Classes (Show Order: Non-Market, Light, Medium, Heavy) Breeding Sheep Classes FFA Sheep Showmanship 4-H Sheep Showmanship (Show Order: FFA, 4-H Junior, 4-H Intermediate, 4-H Senior, 4-H Overall)

2 pm ........... Rabbit Hopping Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016 8 am ..........................Rabbit Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion Clover Kid Rabbit Showmanship Rabbit Showmanship Rabbit Classes 9 am ....................Meat Goat Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion Clover Kid Meat Goat Showmanship FFA Meat Goat Showmanship 4-H Meat Goat Showmanship (Show Order: Junior, Intermediate, Senior) FFA Market Meat Goat 4-H Market Meat Goat Breeding Meat Goat 1 pm ..............Poultry Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion – TBA 1 pm ........................... Market Beef – Fremont Livestock Pavilion FFA Market Beef 4-H Market Beef (Show Order: Heifers, Steers – Crossbred, Pure Breeds, Other Breeds)

Scotts Bluff County Grand & Reserve Champion Market Beef FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 7:30–9 am ...................Weigh-in of 4-H and FFA Stocker Feeders Check-in all Breeding Beef, Cow/Calf, Bucket Calves, Bull Calves – FFA Barn 9:30 am ......................................................... Beef Showmanship, Breeding Beef Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion Clover Kid Bucket Calf Showmanship FFA Beef Showmanship 4-H Beef Showmanship (Show Order: Junior, Intermediate, Senior) 4-H Bucket Calf Classes FFA Stocker Feeder Classes 4-H Stocker Feeder Classes FFA Breeding Classes 4-H Breeding Classes (Breeding Heifers, Bull Calves, Cow/Calf Pairs) 2 pm .................... Team Fitting Competition (Exhibition) – Fremont Livestock Pavilion 4 pm ...Small Animal Round Robin – Fremont Livestock Pavilion (Includes Grand and Reserve Showmanship Champions from Cat, Dog, Dairy Goat, Poultry & Rabbit Showmanship Classes)

5 pm ...Large Animal Round Robin – Fremont Livestock Pavilion (Includes Grand and Reserve Showmanship Champions from Swine, Sheep, Meat Goat & Beef Showmanship Classes)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 11 am ..........Parade of Champions – Fremont Livestock Pavilion (a.k.a. Award Presentation for 4-H Static/Inside the Building Exhibits)

11:00 –12:15pm.....Past Buyer Appreciation Meal – Sanford Hall 5–8:00 pm .........Check in Rabbits – Small Animal School House 12:30 pm ....................................................................4-H and FFA Livestock Sale Gala – Fremont Livestock Pavilion WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016 8 am ........................Sheep Show – Fremont Livestock Pavilion SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016 Clover Kid Sheep Showmanship 7 am ..................................................Non-Sale Animals Released FFA Sheep Market 9–10 am ..................................................... 4-H Exhibits Released Fiber Classes-Showmanship, Breeding Misc. Fiber Animals)

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

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Old Setter’s Honorary Vice President

Lifetime of good memories

By MORGAN Wallace Gering Courier

B

onnie Ingwerson’s deep roots in Gering’s community have named her as an “Old Settler,” and she will be acting as the Old Settler’s Honorary Vice President for the 2016 Oregon Trail Days.

She currently lives in a house not far from the location where she was born and raised and no more than a mile away from where she used to attend school.

Ingwerson’s school had around 20 to 25 kids from grades kindergarten through eighth in attendance.

She and her twin sister, Betty, rode their horses to the school until their family moved into town. Once in town, the family had to pasture their horses with another family.

Ingwerson, maiden name Ewing, finished grade school at Lincoln Elementary before moving up to the junior high and high school, which were in the same building. Ingwerson said she took part in most activities at the school and played in the band.

“There was always something going on, ball games, dances or something, so we didn’t have to think too hard for something to do,” Ingwerson said.

At that time, Ingwerson also spent a lot of time at the pool and remembers that there was one theatre in Gering, the Grove Theatre.

Ingwerson graduated in 1950 and was married the same year to Darrell Ingwerson.

After high school, she did not attend college but went straight to work at Coop in the cannery. There she canned goods such as corn, peas, beans and more for the war.

Soon, the couple moved to Denver where they lived for four years before moving to California where

MORGAN WALLACE/Gering Courier

Bonnie Ingwerson poses in front of her back yard.

Darrell went to radar school for the Air Force. After Darrell was discharged, the two moved to Lincoln where Darrell finished college.

After he finished his schooling, the couple lived in Gering for a while in a trailer home.

They then sold it and moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico.

They had three kids all who were raised in Los Alamos, Valerie Wilson who currently resides in Los Alamos, Sheryl McLean who lives in Mitchell and Diana Deeds who lives in Scottsbluff.

“She raised kids and I worked in a lab there,” Darrell said.

While in Los Alamos, Ingwerson was a secretary at the local elementary school for 15 years. Ingwerson and Darrell were very involved in square dancing while in New Mexico.

Darrell taught classes for a while and said they had a great time down there before the

hobby slipped away.

Between the three children Ingwerson has five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. According to Ingwerson, the two children living in Scotts Bluff County moved back before she and Darrell did.

“They didn’t like what they were doing and wanted to be something else. So they all came here and got jobs, husbands and had kids,” Ingwerson said.

Once they returned to Gering, Ingwerson said they bought a piece of ground and built a house on it. Ingwerson and Darrell’s parents were both alive at the time and they

moved back to be closer to them.

One of her favorite memories of moving was having the opportunity to work for the Art Linkletter Television Show. Linkletter was a radio and television personality at the time.

A special feature on the show allowed watchers to write in and tell Linkletter why they needed financial aid and why they deserved to have it. Ingwerson had the opportunity to pick one person or family out of the many who sent in letters to receive the financial aid.

For her help, she received a stove, a

fridge and a free ride to California and back.

Looking back on her time in Gering, Ingwerson estimates that she has been around Oregon Trail Days since she was born.

Her parents were active in Oregon Trail Days early on and said that her father helped organize the first rodeo in town.

“They brought in horses to break and they made a circle of cars and that’s where the bucking took place,” Ingwerson said.

Throughout most of her life, she, or her family, was always a part of the parade in some manner.

Ingwerson was the Half Century Club Vice President in 1992 and Darrell was the Old Settlers Honorary President in 2008. Ingwerson’s parents Marvin Ewing and Mrs. Beulah Ewing were the Old Settlers Honorary President and Vice President in 1981.

Marvin was also the Half Century President in 1970.

One of her favorite memories from Oregon Trail Days is when food vendors would set up along the sidewalks.

“One of the main ones we all went to was an ice cream stand.

They sold ice creams of several kinds and root beer,” Ingwerson said.

Another childhood memory is when her older brother would dig a hole in the canyon to make a swimming hole for the family to play in, which she said happened often.

Darrell and Ingwerson have been married for almost 66 years.

They are currently active in their church, Central Church of Christ.

Ingwerson belongs to the local quilting club and helped at the North Platte Valley Museum for many years with setting up and cleaning. One of her favorite hobbies is making quilts for all of the babies in the family.

During Oregon Trail Days, Ingwerson will be involved in the Oregon Trail Days Parade and various meetings for the Old Settlers Association alongside the Honorary Old Settlers President, Dr. Donald Gentry. morgan.wallace@starherald.com

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OTDays

8

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

Old Setter’s Honorary President

Following long local history

By MORGAN Wallace Gering Courier

President are less than those of the Half-Century President, Dr. Donald Gentry is hird generalooking forward to tion Gering the meetings and the resident Dr. parade during Oregon Donald GenTrail Days. try has been selected Charlie Fenster was as the Honorary Old originally going to be Settlers President for the Old Settlers Presithe 2016 Oregon Trail dent for the 2016 year, Days. Gentry was also but recently passed the Half-Century Presiaway, leaving Gentry dent in 2005. as president.

Gentry grew up “I was second in the across from Legion voting, so I’m taking Park and graduated his big shoes, he’s a big from Gering High spot to fill. He was very School in 1960 before prominent in agriculmoving on to college ture in the area and he at Nebraska Wesleyan was on the park board University in Lincoln. for many years,” GenHe graduated from try said. “He will be NWU in 1963 before missed.” moving on to medical Gentry said his school at the Univerduties are less than sity of Nebraska Medthose of the half-cenical Center in Omaha tury president and where he graduated vice president, but is from in 1968 and went COURTESY PHOTO looking forward to on to Denver for a Dr. Donald Gentry grew up in the community and says, “I’ve always liked the community.” Gentry is this year’s the meetings and the one-year internship.

Old Settler’s Honorary President. parade that he gets to Gentry soon went on Although he knows Gentry said. be a part of with the to do military medical sweetheart, Meredyth. Linda, who has a denThey had two children, tistry degree but has the Gentry name is Although he said his position. service for the United morgan.wallace@starherald.com Paul and John Gentry. stepped back from that, English, he is unsure duties for Old Settlers States Public Health Paul was born in and is working as a of the background from Service and was stationed in Seattle, Wash- 1971, he attended Colo- professional photogra- his father’s side. rado State University pher where she enjoys He has one sister, ington for two years where he majored in taking photographs of Alice who is married to before returning to computers and curbabies and children.

Lee Kenitz.

Gering in 1971.

They have two chilGentry also spends After coming back to rently works for the dren, June and Alec. his time collecting the area, Gentry joined IT department at an insurance brokerage June recently finished U.S. stamps, is a board the family practice firm in Colorado. He is first grade and will be member volunteer his father, Dr. Wilmarried to Serena Gen- moving up to second at the Legacy of the liam Johnson Gentry, try, who has a masters grade in the fall. Alec Plains, has been on the opened in the commuin civil engineering will be 3-years-old in City Parks Cemetery nity in 1931. Gentry, and a law degree. The May. and Tree Board since his father, his cousin two have one son, BrenNow retired, Gentry 1980, is a member of Harold Jr. and his unthe First United Methcle, Max, all worked at dan, who is 5-years-old enjoys spending time and is going to start working in his garden. odist Church in Gering the practice. kindergarten.

He believes he inherit- and a lay represen“We couldn’t go by John was born in ed the love for gardentative for the annual our last names because 1973. He attended ing from his father who conferences, a Garden we wouldn’t know college at NWU and was “quite the garden- Walk board member which Gentry they followed his dad’s foot- er.” for Theatre West, a were talking about,” “My parents were selection committee Gentry said. “I went by steps by continuing his education at the married in 1930 and member from the Tri Dr. Don.” University of Nebrasmy father planted peo- Trails District of Boy Gentry continued ka Medical Center in nies that they used in Scouts and a Regional practicing medicine Omaha. John partictheir wedding,” Gentry West Medical Center until the end of 2007. said.

Foundation Board “When I retired I was ipated in a residency in pathology and curGentry’s mother member. the last Dr. Gentry in rently practices at the grew up in Omaha, “I’ve always liked the the community,” GenCOURTESY PHOTO Methodist Hospital in but her parents came community. I grew up try said.

Dr. Donald Gentry with his wife, Meredyth, on their directly from Sweden. here, I’ve seen it grow,” wedding day.

In 1965, Gentry mar- Omaha.

He is married to ried his high school

T

Enjoy Oregon Trail Days!

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

OTDays

9

27th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Oregon Trail Days gets cooking

By AARON Seaney Star-Herald One of the tastiest traditions that Oregon Trail Days has to offer is returning this year with another annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, July 9.

The event will take place at Five Rocks Amphitheatre on the east side where they will have several tents set up for the cooks to display their dish. The area will be open to the public at 1 p.m. and the public tasting will start at 3 p.m.

According to one of the organizers Bill Schlaepfer those wanting to get a taste will want to show up early.

“Don’t be too late because we usually run out of chili by 3:30 or 4 so it goes pretty quick,” said Schlaepfer. “Also be sure to account for traffic as it gets a little hectic with the mud volleyball and FILE PHOTO The 27th Annual Nebraska State Championship CASI Chili Cook-off draws cooks from near and far. The competition is held Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Public tasting begins at 3 p.m. at Five Rocks Amphitheater.

carnival going on as well.”

Cost to get into the event is $3 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. There is no additional cost for the tasting after that.

Once inside each person in attendance will be handed a ticket to vote for their favorite chili of the day.

There are several categories in this year’s cook off. The most competitive being the Chili Appreciation Society International, or CASI, red chili cook-off.

“This is the one where they can’t have any filler in it, so no beans, no macaroni, nothing like that,” said Schlaepfer. “But the top three of that category will qualify for the national cook off in Texas.”

Next is the dry bean category. Here cooks

can prepare beans in pretty much any form to compete, including baked beans, bean chili or any other combination. The top three in this category will receive cash prizes.

Another category returning this year is the open beef category. Much like the dry bean this is a category where people can make a beef dish of their choice.

“Open beef category is any cut of beef cooked anyway you would like it,” said Schlaepfer. “You’ll see steaks, ribs, things like that.”

The next category is the Green Chili category. Schlaepfer said that most of these are various types of pork green chili, though over the past few years chicken chili is becoming increasing-

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ly popular.

The final category is a fairly new category for the event and it’s the CASI Jr. category. The rules are the same for the CASI red chili category but for cooks who are 18-years-old and younger.

Registration for the event will go until 8 a.m. the morning of the cook-off. For those wanting to enter the CASI red category the cost is $20, for all other categories entering a dish is $7.50.

Schlaepfer says there will be plenty of variety to choose from as they have a large turn out of contestants every year.

“There is lots of good chili to come out and try. We have around 5 kids enter the CASI Jr. category and 10-12 for the open beef category,”

said Schlaepfer. “But for the other ones we typically see 20 to 30 contestants per category.”

This year the cookoff also welcomes the band “The Drivin’ Dynamics” who will be entertaining those in attendance from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Aside from live music and good food the event will also feature a water slide for the first time this year.

“We are excited about having the water slide. It should be a lot of fun,” said Schlaepfer. “So everyone will want to be sure to wear appropriate clothes for getting wet in.”

For any questions about being a contestant or the event it self you can contact Bill Schlaepfer at 308631-2293.

aseaney@starherald.com

OTDays

10

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

Mud Volleyball

Water + Mud + Volleyball = Fun

By AARON Seaney Star-Herald

Competition will be heating up as much as the temperatures during Oregon Trail Days on Saturday, July 9 as the fifth annual Mud Volleyball Tournament is set to take place.

Roughly 70 teams will battle it out for glory during the all day event at Five Rock Amphitheatre. Rebecca Shields, who helps organize the event, said the tournament has grown so much since its inception they had to actually put a limit on the number of teams.

“Last year we had like 72 teams. At some point it just gets too long, we started at 8 a.m. and it went until about 8:30 p.m.,” said Shields. “We don’t want cars to have to use their headlights to light our courts.”

This year two other divisions have been

at all times.

“It would be unfair if there was a team of just all athletic huge guys dominating everyone,” said Shields. “So this is a nice way to just make sure all the teams are balanced.”

With such a long event there will be various food vendors on hand serving lunch as well as a beer garden to beat the heat. Though all attendees and competitors are asked to keep any alcohol within the beer garden.

“We had a bit of an issue with people bringing outside alcohol last year,” said Shields. “So this year if people are caught with alcohol outside of the beer garden they will be asked to leave.”

The event is free FILE PHOTO for the public to come Five Rocks Ampthitheater will be the site of the annual Mud Volleyball tournament. The tournament will begin at watch and cheer on 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 9. their favorite team and added to start out as year, though as they double elimination this ister are required to the top three teams will well. progress they will year so everyone is have at least six partic- receive trophies. This “We will have a kids eventually move into guaranteed at least two ipants to fill out a team year the event is expectdivision and a teen the adult bracket,” games.” and one female must be ed to start at 8 a.m. division to start this said Shields. “It is also All teams who regplaying on each team aseaney@starherald.com

Other events taking place There are a few events that have not been singled out in this special section.

Here are the other events that will take place during Oregon Trail Days.

The 95th annual Oregon Trail Days celebration will get started Thursday at 6 p.m. with the Kickoff Barbecue and Street Dance. The fun will take place in front of the Scotts Bluff County Courthouse.

On Friday at 2 p.m. between Fresh Foods and Intertech the Street Vault competition will take place.

From 5-9 p.m. on Friday, there will be a free concert in Legion

International Food Fair

Park featuring Freddie Marquez and Legends of Country.

At 8 p.m., a square dance will be held at the intersection of 10th Street and O Street.

There will be a Horseshoe Tournament in Oregon Trail Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

A wine tasting with entertainment by Jennine Briscoe and Company will be held FILE PHOTO at 1125 J Street I GerHot dogs, turkey legs, Indian Tacos and much, much more will be on the menu at Friday, July 9 International ing on Saturday from Food Fair. Vendors will be serving up tasty goodies from 5-9 p.m. on 10th Street in Gering..

6-9 p.m.

The Gospel Jubilee, featuring The Hebberts and special guests will close on the 95th OTDays at Legion Park. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

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Welcome to Oregon Trail Days!

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald

OTDays

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Saturday Parade

Enjoy ‘An Oregon Trail Journey’

By DEAN Torske Star-Herald On the morning of Saturday, July 9, the streets of downtown Gering will be lined with excited faces. A vision of Americana, as little boys and girls, moms and dads, the young and the aged, all patiently awaiting the start of the 95th annual Oregon Trail Days Parade.

John Ewing said, “This will be the 95th year for the parade. We are the oldest continuous celebration in the state of Nebraska. We do it for the old settlers. It all started about them, that’s why we do it.” He says that the parade is something that everyone looks forward to all year long.

The theme for the parade this year is, “An Oregon Trail Journey.”

Ewing is expecting quite a turn out from the number of people that have already inquired. Ewing said, “We don’t pre-enter, so we

FILE PHOTO Saturday’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. with line up starting at 8 a.m. Floats are asked to line up at the Gering High School. Those with animals are asked to line up next to Johnson Cashway.

really won’t know until that morning. But I think we will get a lot of people.”

For the first time ever, there will be no handouts of any kind, which also means no candy will be thrown to the

children along the parade route. Ewing said, “It’s just too big of a liability problem. The kids get right out there in the street and the floats can’t get through. So, we decided that there won’t be handouts of

any kind.”

All parade entrants will need to line up starting at 7 a.m. and entrants must be there by 8:15 a.m. to be judged.

The float entrants will line up at the Gering High School parking lot

and horse entries will meet by the Gering Senior Center. The parade will start at 10 a.m.

All floats must be decorated. “We just don’t let anybody drive their brand new pickup truck in the parade,” said

Ewing.

The parade is expected to last an hour and a half, and with several floats, horses, old cars, longhorns and lots of kids, there is sure to be something for everyone.

dtorske@starherald.com

Bicycle Hill Climb

Cyclists attempt to tackle the Monument

By JEFF Smith Star-Herald

bull.

Some of the proceeds from the race will be given to the National People looking for Park Service so they some sort of physical will be able to work on challenge during the some projects. “We are Oregon Trail Days might be interested in excited to give back to the park service. They doing the Bicycle Hill do a good job of clearClimb. ing debris or rocks The event is a time trial race for bicyclists that have fallen,” said Trumbull, “if we with a road bike or a didn’t work with them mountain bike. this would not be posJim Trumbull, one of the organizers of the sible to do.”

The race will finish race, said that the hill climb has been around at 9 a.m. so the park rangers will be able to for a long time and the Western Nebraska open the road to the top.

Bicycling Club took it After the race peoover a few years ago. ple will ride down Trumbull said that as a group so people people who have done can come up without some riding on a bicycle would be fine doing worrying about people coming down Summit the hill climb.

Road.

Trumbull recomTrumbull said a mended people to ride helmet is required for to the top of Scotts the race and people Bluff National Monuwill not be able to race ment at least once bewithout one. fore they do the race.

“We want everyone The race is a 1.6 milehigh climb to the top of to be safe and enjoy the ride and then go on Scotts Bluff National to do the other Oregon Monument. Some of Trail activities,” said the faster riders will be able to complete the Trumbull.

This year the new race in eight minutes. development is the “For the first time different times for ridthere might be some leg shock,” said Trum- ers who go up the hill.

They will be sent every 30 seconds instead of every minute which is how it has usually been.

Trumbull looks forward to the race, including a larger number of people in future years and that is one of the reasons people will be able to go every 30 seconds instead of every minute.

“It’s a lot more effective for the riders and we will be able to accommodate more riders as the event grows,” said Trumbull.

The organizers also use an electronic timer to ensure accuracy and so the riders can know how their times are tracked.

There will be plaques for first prizes in the categories for the top men’s and women’s mountain bike and road bike times. There will also be a separate category for the youngest and oldest riders.

“It is separated out so it’s fair to everyone,” said Trumbull.

Everyone will also be able to get water bottles to hand out.

FILE PHOTO A bicyclist tackles the climb up the Scotts Bluff National Monument during the annual Hill Climb. The event takes place Saturday morning.

There are little over 30 people who will register for the race usually. The event is being held Saturday, July 9, with a start time of 7 a.m.

“Last year it was a phenomenal day for the race,” said Trumbull.

Trumbull said the

organizers are hoping for the same kind of weather this year.

Preregistration began on July 1 at oregontraildays.com Registration will also be held on-site at the Scotts Bluff National Monument starting at 6 a.m. at the day of the race.

Registration is limited to 90 riders.

Those who are interested should preregister online to guarantee a t-shirt of their size.

After that the t-shirts are given out on a first come, first serve basis.

The cost is $20 per participant.

jsmith@starherald.com

12

OTDays

Gering COURIER/Star-Herald