The population of Hays swells considerably during the annual Oktoberfest/Fort Hays State University homecoming weekend.

“Our goal is to provide a safe environment,” says Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

HPD officers will be out in force, including four bicycle officers.  Assisting HPD will be the Ellis County Sheriff’s office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Alcohol and Beverage Control, and the Union Pacific Police Department:

The city of Hays has a public possession ordinance, which prohibits walking with an open container of alcohol on a public sidewalk or street.

Chief Scheibler encourages anyone who may have consumed too much alcohol to call Safe Ride at (785) 621-2580.