5 things to do in Abilene - Week of 7/29/2019

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Looking for something to do? Check out these 5 things to do in Abilene this week!


All-New Exhibits Now Open!

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The all-new 25,000 square feet of museum exhibit space at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is now open. The most recent innovations in technological components and interactives are guaranteed to engage audiences of all ages and learning styles.
 
"Our team is excited to share this updated story with our visitors. We are thrilled to feature the holdings of the collection, not only here in Abilene, but also from the National Archives in Washington, DC. These resources allowed us to create a custom exhibit script using Ike and Mamie's own words and really connect with the visitor on a personal level," states Dawn Hammatt, director, Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. "The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Ike's birthday weekend on Saturday, October 12."
 
Two new interactive displays help bring Ike and Mamie to life. The first, "Becoming Ike and Mamie," allows visitors to explore Eisenhower's pre-WWII career assignments. Another interactive will help visitors understand the impacts of the Cold War during the Eisenhower Administration.

In addition to seeing historically-significant artifacts and hearing new stories from the archives, visitors will come away with a better understanding of Ike and Mamie's life story. Using newly digitized and never-before-seen footage from the National Archives, new mini-theaters offer visitors the opportunity to hear Ike's words firsthand on a variety of events and issues from D-Day to world peace. Visitors will come to understand why President Eisenhower became known as the Champion of Peace.
 
The layered-learning approach throughout the exhibits gives all visitors the opportunity to make a personal connection during their visit. It's time to come back to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. Come see Ike again for the first time.
 
Visit us online at eisenhowerlibrary.gov for ticket pricing and to plan your visit today! The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located at 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene, KS 67410 , and is open daily 8 a.m. to 5:45 in June and July and from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. August through May. All buildings on the 22-acre campus are fully handicapped accessible. For more information, call 785-263-6700 or 877-RING-IKE.
     
The museum renovations are made possible in part by donations to the Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Legacy of Leadership Capital Campaign. For more information, please visit the Eisenhower Foundation at eisenhowerfoundation.net. 
Central Kansas Free Fair


Find everything there is to see and do at the Central Kansas Free Fair in the 2019 Fair Guide.




Central Kansas Free Fair Parade

You don't want to miss the 2019 Central Kansas Free Fair parade! Back by popular demand: Russell Stover! 



Barn Quilt Fan Favorite Contest

Voting is now open for the Central Kansas Free Fair's Barn Quilt Fan Favorite contest.



I Hear a Train (Mural) a Comin'... 

Check out the start of Abilene's newest mural featuring a steam engine.



Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Open at GPT

What is black and white and red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and ochre and peach all over?

The answer to this colorful riddle lies in Great Plains Theatre's upcoming production, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The show opens Friday and runs until August 18. "Joseph" marks Mark Hanson's third show as director this summer. Catherine Skojec Daly both performs in the show and choreographs.

Chisholm Trail Western Music Show

Featuring Geff Dawson & Dawn, Gary S. Pratt and Del Shields along with the 2019 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo Champions.

Vintage Base Ball Game

The Abilene Iron Cutters face the Wichita Bull Stockings of the Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus.

Crowd participation in deciding calls and period dress is encouraged. Popcorn, peanuts and drinks will be available to purchase. Bring your own seating and sunscreen.

The players wear uniforms and use equipment similar to the 1860s era.

The game is played using Victorian era rules, which are quite different from today. For example, no gloves are used, outfielders can catch the ball on one bounce for an out and base stealing and sliding are prohibited. Crowd participation is greatly encouraged and often influences the rulings on the field. And, yes, "base ball" was two words back then, too.

Destination Expert and Business Consultant Jon Schallert to Visit Abilene

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a business development workshop featuring Jon Schallert in Abilene on Monday and Tuesday, October 7-8. Schallert, an internationally recognized speaker and business expert, will present a workshop titled "New Rules of Business Success." The workshop will provide Kansas agribusinesses and communities with the business principles and tools needed to reinvent their business or community into a consumer destination. 


70 Things to Do with Families Along Kansas I-70

I-70 is a major east to west highway that runs through the entire state of Kansas. You will be shocked at the amount of great scenery and fun things there are to do just a hop, skip, and jump off of the interstate exits. There are 16 towns that belong to the  Kansas I-70 Association , running from Kansas City to Goodland, so the opportunities are plentiful. 

Here are 70 things to do with families along Kansas I-70 that you'll want to make time for. 

Throwback Thursday - Wild Bill Hickok

On August 2, 143 years ago, Jack McCall, alias Bill Sutherland, killed Abilene's famous town Marshal "Wild Bill" Hickok.
5 Star Reviews - Dickinson County Historical Society & Museum
 
 

Thanks to everyone who attended the ice cream social on Saturday evening. Guests even had the opportunity to ride the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel! 
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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
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)
Central Kansas Free Fair Parade Thursday, August 1 Buckeye Ave / 3rd Street
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 August 2-18 Great Plains Theatre
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo August 2-3 Shockey & Landes Building
Chisholm Trail Western Music Show August 3, 2019 @ 4:30-6 pm Great Plains Theatre
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
Christian Motorcyclists Association State Rally Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18 Dickinson County Fairgrounds / Sterl Hall
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
Oktoberfest Saturday, September 14 Downtown Abilene
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)
Cowtown Classic Charity Bike Ride Sunday, September 29 @ 7 am Eisenhower Park
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
Abilene Fire Department 150th Celebration Saturday, October 12  Abilene Fire Department
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)
National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet Monday, October 14 - Saturday, October 19  National Greyhound Association
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)
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
About us
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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