Happy Pi Day!

Celebrate National Pi Day with a slice of delicious pie from Mr. K's Farmhouse!
Have a Treat at a Kansas Soda Fountain!

In the first half of the 20th-century, most Kansas towns claimed at least one soda fountain. At the start of the 21st century, we had about 48.  Now, in 2012, we are down to thirty-two operating fountains.

Make it a quest to visit each of the 37 fountains!  You'll see many different styles.  A few date back to the 1920s and are located in their original location with the back bar, mirror, brass rail, and marble counter. Those built after 1950 have Formica counter-tops and some early marble tops have been converted to Formica.
Potwin Drug in Topeka has the oldest (1902) operating fountain in the state.  The most recently opened are found at Ray's Pharmacy in Quinter and Soda n' Suds in Canton.  

At some places you'll feel like you've stepped back into the 1950s.  Chanute has Coca Cola memorabilia throughout the store.  The Linger Longer in Bennington features Dr. Pepper artifacts.

Easter Events for Families

EASTER TRAIN RIDE 

Date: Saturday, April 13 
Depart Time: 1:00 p.m. 
Fee: $10 per person 
Location: Abilene Smoky Valley Train Depot (200 S.E. 5th) 

The Abilene Public Children's Library will be aboard with the Easter Bunny. Train ride will include a story, an activity, and an Easter Egg Hunt to follow. Tickets must be purchased in advance. If the 1:00 p.m. train fills we may add a second or third train prior to date.
 
EISENHOWER EASTER EGG ROLL EASTER EGG HUNT 

Date: Saturday, April 20 

Start Time: 1:00 p.m. (SHARP) 

Activities: Immediately following hunt till 2:30 p.m. 

Location: Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum Grounds 

Don't be late! All the eggs the Easter Bunny leaves, will be gone in a dash. The Abilene Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum staff to recreate the Easter Egg Roll like the one at the White House. Events planned include games, face painting, photo with the Easter Bunny, egg roll, and more. 

Thanks to the many local organizations who assist to make this event successful.

5 Sweet Reasons to Stop at Russell Stover Chocolates

Every reason is a good reason to stop and shop at  Russell Stover!

 

Transform Your Business into a Consumer Destination

Join more than a dozen other Abilene businesses and attend the 
Transform Your Business into a Consumer Destination workshop with Jon Schallert on Wednesday, March 20 from 8 am - 3:30 p.m. at the Memorial Union Ballroom, Fort Hays State University.

This session is targeted towards entrepreneurs, retailers, restaurant owners, service businesses, independent business owners and economic development organizations. Jon draws on his on-site consulting experience with thousands of independent businesses and shows any business how to use his trademarked 14-point process for reinventing a business into a Consumer Destination. No other marketing speaker, consultant, or small business coach in the world has analyzed the steps Jon illustrates in this business improvement workshop to become a Consumer Destination.

Attendees will leave with a new understanding of Jon's Destination Business strategies and tactics. Attendees will understand why location, location, location no longer matters for independent business success, and why waiting for "Big Brother" to reinvent a marketplace fails the majority of the time. Following this session, attendees will understand the importance of reinventing their businesses in order to create the most successful consumer-oriented businesses available.

Registration  required. This workshop is free to attendees as part of a USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

Throwback Thursday - Drovers Cottage
 
On June 18, 1867 Joseph McCoy purchased 250 acres of land located on the northeastern side of Abilene, where he immediately began to get ready for the cattle trade. McCoy later wrote that by the end of 60 days from July 1, 1867, the construction of the stockyards, scales, barn, office building and a three story hotel were nearing completion.

This hotel became known as Drovers Cottage and was located just east of today's courthouse.

5 Star Reviews - Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home
 
2019 Calendar of Events

2019 marks 150 years since the City of Abilene's official incorporation. Community events make Abilene not only a great place to live, but also a great place to visit. Make plans now to visit Abilene, Kansas and enjoy these great events! 

Take the Abilene Event Challenge - how many can you attend? Snap a photo and tag us in your Facebook posts @VisitAbilene.


EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
30th Annual Ida Stover-Eisenhower Memorial Quilt Show
 March 11-24
 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Most Hallowed Ground with Tom Tudor Thursday, March 28, 
Noon - 1 pm		 Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium
Kansas State Geography Bee Friday, March 29 Eisenhower Presidential Library
KS Gift & Craft Show Sunday, March 31 @ 1pm Sterl Hall
Eisenhower Marathon
Saturday, April 6 @ 7 am
St. Andrews Parish Hall
Easter Bunny Train Saturday, April 13 @ 1 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
National Greyhound Association Spring Nationals April 15-20 National Greyhound Association
Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll Saturday, April 20 @ 1 pm Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
Eisenhower with Louis Galambos Thursday, April 25 @ Noon - 1 pm Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center
Reitz & Rust Vintage Market
Saturday, April 27 @ 10 am
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
Arts & Ales Saturday, April 27 Downtown Abilene
Abilene Aviation Association Fly-In  Saturday, May 4 Abilene Municipal Airport
National Travel & Tourism Week May 5-11
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Antique Fest Saturday, May 11 Downtown Abilene
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, May 11 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Mother's Day Tea Saturday, May 11 Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Road to Abilene with Tim Rives and William Snyder Thursday, May 23 @ Noon - 1 pm Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, May 25 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides Saturday, May 25 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Sunday, May 26 @ 2 pm
Monday, May 27 @ 10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Symphony at Sunset
Saturday, June 1
Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
75th anniversary of D-Day Thursday, June 6 Eisenhower Presidential Library
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides Thursday, June 6 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Friday, June 7 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, June 8 @ 10 am & 2 pm


 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, June 8 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad 
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, June 8 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Pirates of Penzance June 14-23 Great Plains Theatre
Heart of America Greyhound Gathering June 20-22 Sterl Hall
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, June 22 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Disaster! July 12-21 Great Plains Theatre
Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration July 4 Eisenhower Park
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Thursday, July 4 @10 am & 2 pm
Friday, July 5 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, July 6 @10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, July 6 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, July 13 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Wednesday, July 31 - Saturday, August 3
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
Central Kansas Free Fair
Wednesday, July 31 - Monday, August 5
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 August 2-18 Great Plains Theatre
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo August 2-3 Shockey & Landes Building
Vintage Base Ball Game Saturday, August 3 Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, August 10 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, August 31 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Chisholm Trail Days Saturday, August 31 - Sunday, September 1 Old Abilene Town
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, August 31 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Sunday, September 1 @ 2 pm
Monday, September 2 @ 10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, September 14 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Hitching Post Restaurant)
 Saturday, September 14 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, September 28 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Heritage Day Saturday, October 5 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, October 5 @ 10 am - 3 pm (hourly departures)

 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Sunday, October 6 @ 2 pm (last steam run of the year)
 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, October 12 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Empires Fall October 18-27 Great Plains Theatre
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Tombstone Talks Saturday, October 26 Abilene Cemetery
Makin' Magic - 25 Years of Fun November 29 - December 15 Great Plains Theatre
Abilene's Victorian Inn Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 7 Abilene's Victorian Inn
Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8		 Varies each year
Night of Christmas Magic Saturday, December 7 Downtown Abilene
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ATTRACTION & EVENT UPDATES

Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home




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The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau  is the marketing arm of the City of Abilene and provides services to tourists and groups convening in Abilene.
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