DARLINGTON — The Darlington Police Department received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to provide a Safe Rides Program during Canoe Festival. From 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday night, June 10-11, two vans marked with “TAXI” will be available to provide rides home from Canoe Fest events, taverns, the Beowulf Party, or any other location within the city.  

The rides are free. People who need a ride can flag down one of the taxis or call 608-726-2106 or 608-726-2094. 

If the taxis are tied up, people may call the Police Department at 608-776-4980 and an officer will provide a ride home if available.

Impaired driving crashes in Lafayette County accounted for nearly half of all traffic fatalities in the county over the past five years, which is a crash rate that is higher than the state average of roughly 30%. 

The Darlington Police Department hopes those who partake of festivities during the Canoe Festival will take advantage of the free rides being offered. Festival-goers should never drink and drive.