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Thankful in Abilene
Join us in celebrating reasons we are thankful to live
in Abilene: a 5-Star Community.
Today, we are thankful for the cowboys who brought hundreds of thousands of cattle along the Chisholm Trail to Abilene.
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Abilene Featured in Documentary Film
About the film:
In the Spring of 2015, Joshua Zev Nathan and Patrick Ross walked across the state of Kansas and filmed a documentary about the enigmatic state.
Read story >
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Abilene Non-Profit Organizations Receive Donations
On Friday, November 2, the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation, represented by Hank Royer, made three gifts totaling $102,000 to Abilene organizations.
1. Great Plains Theatre - $30,000 for youth scholarships and reduced movie tickets for children.
2. Eisenhower Foundation - $42,000 for enhanced programming with the Eisenhower Presidential Museum reopens in 2019.
3. Community Foundation of Dickinson County - $10,000 (Food for Kids program), $10,000 (vision therapy program) and $10,000 (Abilene Municipal Band fund).
Pictured left to right: Margaret Clair - Great Plains Theatre; Hank Royer - Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation; Dawn Hammatt - Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum; and Elizabeth Weese - Community Foundation of Dickinson County.
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WWI and Soldier Poetry
Sunday, November 11
2-3 p.m.
Eisenhower Visitors Center Auditorium
Learn about World War I soldier poetry this Veterans Day at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene. This will be the topic at a free public program on Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium.
Family and historical documents show that soldiers from every country involved in World War I (1917 - 1919) wrote poetry. On Veterans Day, Tim Rives will share how important and useful this soldier poetry can be in studying the experiences of American service members in the First World War.
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Great Plains Theatre Announces 2019-2020 Season
The Great Plains Theatre loads its 2019-2020 season with theatrical and musical adventure and frivolity as it celebrates its 25
th
Anniversary! Three musicals, a musical revue, a world premiere play and a Kansas premiere play.
The season opens in June with
The Pirates of Penzance
; which won the Tony in 1981 as Best Revival of a Musical and has music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert and is full of some of Gilbert and Sullivan's most famous and beloved musical moments. A truly funny Victorian romp that provides many opportunities for rambunctious physical comedy with a soaring musical score that delights audiences of all ages.
July brings the fresh-from-Broadway musical spoof
Disaster!
Set in the wild decade of the 70's it delivers earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and unforgettable 70s hits like "Knock On Wood," "Hooked On A Feeling," "Sky High," "I Am Woman" and "Hot Stuff." Book by radio host, writer and comedian who is obsessed with all things Broadway Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick, audiences and critics are wild for this hilarious homage to the era of bell-bottoms, platform shoes and the hustle. From the moment the glitter ball starts spinning you'll be dancing in your seat and rolling in the aisles.
The summer wraps up in August with
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
the much-loved musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show is almost entirely sung-through and its family-friendly story, familiar themes and catchy music has made it a very popular choice for theatres through-out the world. Artistic Director Randal K West fell on his own way of staging Joseph many years ago when he created a version that spoofs the Broadway dance styles of 14 iconic Broadway choreographers. Randy's version of Joseph has broken the box office records at four different theatre's in California and he is very excited to share it here in Kansas.
The season continues in October with
Empires Fall
,
a world premiere of a new play by the only press secretary in United States history to be appointed by two Presidents. Few are better qualified to comment on the Presidency than the legendary
Marlin Fitzwater,
who served for almost a decade as an Assistant and Press Secretary to Presidents Reagan and Bush.
Empires Fall
is about the relationship of President George H.W. Bush and USSR General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev in the two years between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Both men attempt to bring an end to the cold war in a fashion that, while being in the best interest of their own country, also protects the world. In today's environment of Russian meddling and involvement in American affairs, a play that not only examines the end of the Soviet Union, but also points toward things that were to come, all provided by a playwright who lived first hand through much of it should create a theatrical event not to be missed by anyone.
The winter will be ushered in with Makin' Magic- 25 Years of Fun a newly crafted revue of music, dance, narrative and song that celebrates the 25 years that
Great Plains Theatre
has been an Equity Theatre in Abilene, KS. Arranged mostly in medleys, a group of 6 performers backed by a pianist recreates the magical musical moments from GPT's past productions and looks forward to music we hope to bring to Kansas in the future. We invite you to reminisce with us as this original musical revue celebrates 25 years of quality professional theatre all wrapped in an entertainment that explodes with many of the GPT's most memorable musical theatre moments.
The season concludes in the spring of 2020 with
Alabama Story
playwright Kenneth Jones' new six-actor play inspired by real events that touch on Civil Rights and censorship issues in "the Deep South of the imagination." The play introduces the world to the little-known true story of a librarian named Emily Reed who was persecuted by politicians for protecting a children's picture book in the Jim Crow South. The controversial children's book is called "The Rabbits' Wedding" and it depicts a black rabbit marrying a white rabbit. Playwright Kenneth Jones bills the play as "a humor-laced social-justice drama that's a sort of vest-pocket cousin to 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'"
The 25
th
Anniversary Season promises to have something for everyone as GPT returns to a six-show season. The very best "early-bird" season ticket special begins November 1, 2018 and runs through January 15
,
2019. Those choosing to get their tickets early will not only have access to first-choice seating in our intimate 150 seat theatre but they will enjoy the best price of the year.
Patrons wishing to secure their season packages can go to
www.greatplainstheatre.com,
call us at 785-263-4574, or visit us at 215 N Campbell Street in Abilene, KS.
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Throwback Thursday
December 15, 1985
Click here to read full story.
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5 Star Reviews - Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
The Greyhound museum gives a fascinating view of greyhound racing in America. It wad amazing to see the size of the crowds at greyhound racing events in the past. It was also great that they have retired greyhound lazing on site that you can pat. (We ended up adopting a retired greyhound when we returned from our trip)
Barnycanbill
Sydney, Australia
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Museum Store Sunday
Sunday, November 25
9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Eisenhower Visitors Center
On Sunday, November 25, 2018, over 700 Museum Stores representing all fifty states, ten countries, and three continents will offer relaxing, inspired shopping inside your favorite museums and cultural institutions. Museum Store Sunday offers a special shopping experience in one-of-a kind stores, showcasing broad assortments of highly curated, unique, mission-specific gifts. From books to jewelry to children's products to home accessories and gourmet food, there is something for everyone. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of each participating museum and cultural institution.
Museum Store Sunday is managed by the Museum Store Association based in Washington, DC, in partnership with the United Kingdom's Association for Cultural Enterprises, and the Museum Shops Association of Australia and New Zealand. Participation in Museum Store Sunday is open to all independently operated museum stores and non-profit retailers located at museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, historic sites, and other unique cultural institutions in the United States and internationally.
Within the Museum Store Association and its sponsors, hundreds of volunteers have helped to create this annual celebration of the diverse collections and programs of museums and cultural institutions around the world, and the special roles these institutions hold in our communities. The Museum Store Association and its sponsors hope you will join them in acknowledging and supporting the hundreds of volunteers, museums, and their stores worldwide dedicated to making Museum Store Sunday a success.
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Celebrate the Holiday Season in Abilene!
The Holiday Season will be here before we know it. Make plans now to spend a weekend in Abilene!
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Seelye Mansion Holiday Tours
Abilene's historic Seelye Mansion is exceptionally beautiful during the holiday season.
Tours Daily!
Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
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Not Another Christmas Letter! The Musical
Not Another Christmas Letter!
The Musical
November 30 - December 9
It's that time of year again! Time to spend your loved ones an overly-positive, possibly embellished, and definitely cherry-picked rundown of your year! Featuring a score written by Wichita Native Laura Bergquist,
Not Another Christmas Letter! The
Musical finds the laughter and music within all of our holiday traditions.
Rated G
Showtimes:
Friday, November 30 - 7:30 P.M. (followed by Afterglow)
Saturday, December 1 - 7:30 P.M.
Sunday, December 2 - 2:00 P.M.
Tuesday, December 4 -
2:00 P.M.
Wednesday, December 5 - 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, December 6 - 7:30 P.M.
Friday, December 7 - 7:30 P.M. (followed by Cabaret)
Saturday, December 8 - 7:30 P.M.
Sunday, December 9 - 2:00 P.M.
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Christmas Afternoon Tea Party
Christmas Afternoon Tea Party
Saturday, December 1
11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Visit Abilene's Victorian Inn for their 8th annual afternoon party. Reservations required. Call (785) 263-7774 for more information.
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2018 Holiday Homes Tour
Homes that age gracefully highlight the
2018 Homes for the Holidays tour, Dec. 1 and 2.
A cottage at 310 NE 5th, now owned by James and Sabrina Holland, was built in 1905 by John L. Jacoby, a Pennsylvania native who was captured by the Confederates at Gettysburg and moved to Kansas in 1879. Today, the two-bedroom house is a mix of original woodwork and modern appliances, and is used as an Airbnb. Another home that provides a strong dose of old and new is the Prairie Style home at 407 N. Vine. Built in 1907, it is one of the few houses in Abilene with a remote control for the kitchen counters.
Two beautifully preserved homes in the 900 block of North Buckeye are on the tour this year. At 906 N. Buckeye, Ken and Donna Hansen have been incrementally restoring their large two-story Victorian-influenced home. While preserving the generous use of wood throughout the house, they have added many personal touches, such as the only bright yellow bathroom tile of its kind in the world. At 900 N. Buckeye, on the south end of the block, Joe and Pam Sanfilippo's 1898 Victorian house is a gorgeous example of a turn-of-the-century home with massive arched interior doors and beautiful woodwork.
Rounding out the line-up are the First Baptist Church, 501 N. Spruce - part of the church was originally the Garfield school's kindergarten annex - and the Volkmann
Cabin at the Dickinson County Historical Society. 412 S. Campbell, where refreshments will be offered.
Tickets for the tour, which will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, are $10 and will be available from the Abilene CVB and the historical society.
For more information, contact the Abilene CVB at (785) 263-2231, or 800-569-5915.
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Night of Christmas Magic
Downtown Carriage Rides
Saturday, December 1
4 - 7 p.m.
Abilene Civic Center
Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting & Visits with Santa
Saturday, December 1
6 p.m.
Abilene Civic Center
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Elf Fun
Abilene, Dickinson County and the Flint Hills are full of beautiful barn quilts. Join Chris' Tree Lodge for a special, Christmas-themed barn quilt class!
Saturday, December 1st
9 a.m. - Noon
Wednesday, December 5th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$50 each
Registration due by November 20th.
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Abilene Municipal Band Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 2, 2018
2:00 P.M.
Come enjoy the sounds of the season as the Abilene Municipal Band performs classic and modern Christmas pieces! Bring the family and enjoy this free concert at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center auditorium!
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Christmas in the Cabin
The Dickinson County Historical Society
will host its annual Christmas in the Cabin program on
Sunday, December 2, 2018
from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center.
Plans are for a family to be in the Volkmann Cabin, Santa Claus will be here for the kids to tell him what they would like for Christmas, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides, free carousel rides and refreshments.
The Faith Lutheran Church of Abilene will be presenting the live Nativity in the Prichard Barn.
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Christmas Lights Tour
Join the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad for a Christmas lights tour!
Saturday, December 7 @ 7 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, December 8 @ 7 pm & 8 pm
Saturday, December 14 @ 6 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, December 15 @ 6 pm & 7 pm
Cost: $5/person
Call (785) 263-1077 for reservations.
Pickup at the Abilene Visitors Center / 201 NW 2nd / Abilene.
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Santa Train
Santa Train
Saturday, December 8
1:00 p.m.
$10 (all ages)
Buy your tickets early! Seats are limited. The Abilene Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a holiday train ride with the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association. Santa always enjoys the ride with everyone. He also enjoys seeing old and new faces. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes long. It travels from the historic Abilene Depot to one mile west of Enterprise and back. The passengers will ride in the enclosed heated car with Santa. Ms. Cheryl from the Abilene Children's Library will be aboard. Santa will be available to listen to your Christmas wish list and you may have your picture taken with him.
You must pre-register for this train ride. There will be no tickets sold the day of the train ride! No exceptions.
Call Abilene Parks & Recreation at (785) 263-7266 for more information.
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Holiday Markets
Saturday, December 1
10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Sterl Hall
Sunday, December 9
1 - 5 P.M.
Sterl Hall
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Christmas Gift Ideas
The Hoffman Grist Mill has gift packages consisting of one for breakfast with Pancake Mix, Farina, Grits & Polenta, another with Seasoned flour, Seasoned corn meal, White corn meal, Yellow corn meal and Bolted flour (sifted), third one with baking flours & Corn meal. Each package is $15 plus shipping.
The Mill at Enterprise, KS will be open Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. thru December 22. For orders or info contact 785-263-1077 or 785-263-5248.
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Have an upcoming event? Help us, help you. We do our best to stay up-to-date, but please make sure to include us in your event and special promotions. Please send announcements to
[email protected].
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