“Ask Me About Gering and the Area”

July 14, 2021 – Edition – 2021-8

A weekly, summer e-newslet ter, highlighting the events (Wednesday to Wednesday) in Gering, Scottsbluff and the area. Use this “visitor service tool” when our guests patronize your business and ask “What should I see and do during my visit”? Published by the Gering Visitors Bureau, for more information call 308.436.6886 or go to our website at www.VisitGering.com

What Visitors & Locals Will Want to Do This Week! July 14 thru July 21, 2021 (This week’s events – Wednesday to Wednesday)

Come out and cheer on our hometown Western Nebraska Pioneers this week before the “All-Star Break”

Friday, Saturday & Sunday – July 16, 17 & 18, 2021 in Gering

Western Nebraska Pioneers Home Games …………..……………at Oregon Trail Park Stadium Where: Oregon Trail Park Stadium - (800 13th Street – Gering)

When: Friday & Saturday – Game Time is 6:35 pm (Gates open one hour before game time) Sunday – Game Time is 4:35 pm (Gates open one hour before game time)

What: Our hometown Western Nebraska Pioneers take the field against the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs this week at Oregon Trail Park Stadium. The Pioneers are charter members of the Expedition League; bringing high-level collegiate wood-bat baseball to local and regional baseball fans and visitors! Affordable family fun and a great way to spend time enjoying America’s pastime all summer long in Gering. Baseball, food, entertainment between innings, and family fun at every home game. For single game tickets, family picnic packs, group tickets and party deck options call: 308.633.BALL or visit www.wnpioneers.com Thursday, July 15, 2021 in Scottsbluff Midwest Summer Matinee Madness!……………………………….……….at the Midwest Theater Where: Historic Midwest Theater in Downtown Scottsbluff – (1707 Broadway - Scottsbluff)

When: 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 12:45 pm)

What: Historic Midwest Theater presents Summer Matinee Madness; this weak featuring “Croods 2: A New Age”, rated PG. Public screenings will be held Thursday’s at 1:30 pm; as a special gift celebration the return of summer movies at the Midwest, all screenings will be held for FREE thanks to many generous community sponsors. Regular concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, visit: www.MidwestTheater.com Thursday, July 15, 2021 in Scottsbluff Bands on Broadway……………………………………18th Street Plaza in Downtown Scottsbluff Where: 18th Street Plaza in Downtown Scottsbluff – (1801 Broadway - Scottsbluff)

When: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

What: 2021 Downtown Summer Concert Series season with live music on stage, an assortment of food trucks and adult beverages. This week’s featured bands are: “The Greendales” and “Ally Venable”. Concerts are FREE OF CHARGE; for more information visit www.Facebook.com/bandsonbroadway Downtown Scottsbluff Sidewalk Sales – July 15, 16 & 17, 2021 in Scottsbluff

Friday, July 16, 2021 in Gering

Songs of Western History….……………Evening Program at Scotts Bluff National Monument Where: Scotts Bluff National Monument Outdoor Amphitheater - (190276 Old Oregon Trail – Gering)

When: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

What: Scotts Bluff National Monument presents “Songs of Western History” a special summer evening program in the outdoor amphitheater at the Monument. Denver based singer and multi-instrumentalist, Martin Gilmore, presents songs of western history. A mix of history songs, modern compositions and original music come together to bring stories of the old west to life. From American exploration to the homestead era; these songs will highlight the various cultures and dynamic events that made up the American West. Admission is FREE; for more information visit www.nps.gov/scbl Friday & Saturday, July 16 & 17, 2021 in Gering

Wildcat Hills “BioBlitz” ….……………..…Weekend Programs at Wildcat Hills Nature Center Where: Wildcat Hills State Recreation Center – (210615 Highway 71 – 12 miles south of Gering on Hwy. 71)

When: Friday, July 16th Activities: 7:00 pm – Welcome/Intro to iNaturalist 7:30 pm Camera Trapping Saturday, July 17th Activities: 7:00 am – Birds 8:00 am – Wildlife Photography 9:00 am – Plant Hike 10:00 am – Spiders/Insects 11:00 am - Reptiles

What: NE Game and Parks Commission in partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies present “Wildcat Hills BioBlitz”. Join natural resource experts and community volunteers in discovering the diversity of the Panhandle during BioBlitz; this is a FREE event designed for the entire family. Engaging sessions Friday and Saturday will include camera trapping, birds, wildflowers, spiders and insects and reptiles. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 308.436.3777 or emailing [email protected] A park entry permit is required. Friday, July 16, 2021 in Scottsbluff Movies in the Park………………………………………Hosted by Scottsbluff Parks & Recreation Where: Frank Park in Scottsbluff - (Corner of East 27th Street & 2nd Avenue – Scottsbluff)

When: 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm – Movie starts at Dusk

What: City of Scottsbluff Parks & Recreation Summer Movies in the Park; this week’s feature is “Toy Story”. Movie starts at Dusk; open to the public and admission is FREE. For more information, visit www.scottsbluff.org Friday & Saturday, July 16 & 17, 2021 in Scottsbluff “Black Widow” This Weekend’s feature Film ………….….…..at the Midwest SkyView Drive In Where: Midwest Skyview Drive-In Theater near Western Nebraska Regional Airport (100381 Airport Road – Scottsbluff)

When: Gate opens one hour before each screening - 9:00 pm Movies start each night

What: The Midwest SkyView Drive-In Theater showing the film “Black Widow” this weekend on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Drive-in parking for up to 165 cars with built-in social distancing measures in place that will allow families to sit outside in their own space. The concessions offerings have been expanded to include hot concessions items, walk-up concessions and online ordering so come enjoy dinner and a move at the Drive-In. No outside food is allowed. New Movie Pricing: $4 per person for all ages 12 & under and Midwest Theater Members who present their cards. $7 per person for non-members and NO CAR LOAD pricing. For additional information; visit: www.MidwestTheater.com Saturday, July 17, 2021 in Scottsbluff 18th Street Farmers Market……………………………………Every Saturday through September Where: 18th Street Plaza in Downtown Scottsbluff - (1800 Broadway – Scottsbluff)

When: 8:00 am to 11:00 am

What: Shop for locally grown fresh produce, variety of food products, crafts, entertainment and more at the Saturday Morning Farmers Market in Downtown Scottsbluff. For more information, see 18th Street Farmers Market on Facebook. Saturday, July 17, 2021 in Gering Stock Car Racing Saturday Night………………………………….……at HiWay 92 Raceway Park Where: HiWay 92 Raceway Park – East of Gering on Highway 92 - (260263 Highway 92 – Gering)

When: Grandstands Open to the Public at 4:00 pm; Racing starts at 6:00 pm

What: It’s summer stock car racing season in Gering; this weekend races on Saturday night at HiWay 92 Raceway Park. Enjoy the sights, sounds and thrills of weekly stock car racing on one of only two asphalt tracks in the state. Saturday night races will feature Minions, Warriors, Farm Trucks and Super Stock racing 50 laps and the winner will take home a cool $1,000. Admission is $10 for adults, Kids 9-12 $6 (kids 8 and under free), Seniors $8, Vets-Military-Police-Fire-EMS $6 and $25 Pit Pass. For more information; visit: www.highway92raceway.com Sunday, July 18, 2021 in Gering 3rd Annual Hillbilly Deluxe Truck Show…………………………..……at HiWay 92 Raceway Park Where: HiWay 92 Raceway Park – East of Gering on Highway 92 - (260263 Highway 92 – Gering)

When: Participants’ check in at 8:00 AM; gates open to the public at 10:00 AM on Sunday

What: This is a weekend of racing you don’t want to miss at HiWay 92 Raceway Park’s 3rd Annual Hillbilly Deluxe Truck Show on Sunday. Everything trucks, semi’s and pickups featured at this fun, family-oriented day. Come out and see the original “Green Goblin” and much more! Food and beverages on site. For more information; visit: www.highway92raceway.com Sunday, July 18, 2021 in Scottsbluff FREE DAY at the Zoo………………………….……………Sunday at Riverside Discovery Center Where: Riverside Discovery Center/Zoo - (1600 S. Beltline Hwy W. – Scottsbluff)

When: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

What: Riverside Discovery Center will host a FREE DAY at the Zoo on Sunday. Admission to the event is FREE courtesy of a generous anonymous donor. Giant teddy bear stuffed animals and other prizes will be given away every hour. The day will also include a bouncy house, stage performance by Tabor Dance Academy, music, reptile shows and more games and activities. Food, face painting and a dunk tank will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to Riverside Discovery Center’s animals. For more information, call 308-630-6236. July through August 1, 2021 in Scottsbluff 2021 President’s Show “Resilience”..…...……………….………..at West Nebraska Arts Center Where: West Nebraska Arts Center - (106 East 18th Street – Scottsbluff)

When: Gallery Hours are Tuesday thru Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

What: West Nebraska Arts Center Main Gallery features July 1 through August 1 presents the 2021 President’s Show; an exciting collection of original artworks based on a theme. “Resilience”, is the them chosen by President Cher Maybee; a judged group show open to all media and artistic styles that convey the theme of what resilience means. Gallery is open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit: www.thewnac.com # # # Year-round visitor services are available in Gering; brochures, maps, visitor questions and area tourist information, please direct our summer guests to these Visitor Information Centers in Gering:

Gering Visitors Bureau’s Visitors Information Center 1050 M Street (Inside the East entrance of the Gering Civic Center) - 308.436.6886 Open weekdays 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, evenings & weekends during Civic Center Hours

Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau’s Visitor Information Center 2930 Old Oregon Trail (Inside the Legacy of the Plains Museum) - 308.633.1808 Open weekdays and weekends during Legacy of the Plains Summer Hours