Oktoberfest  - Saturday, September 14 from Noon - Midnight in Downtown Abilene

5 Things to Do in Abilene - Week of 9/9/2019 Oktoberfest Edition
5 Things to Do in Abilene - Week of 9/9/2019 Oktoberfest Edition

Why Oktoberfest in September?

Historically, Oktoberfest started from a royal wedding between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, the festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17. 

Since then, Oktoberfest has extended and ended  up moving into September. 

Now, the majority of Oktoberfest takes place in September and ending the first week of October. Munich's Oktoberfest is beginning on September 21, 2019. 

Bonus: the weather will be great, all of the authentic German dancers can attend AND there's no home K-State football game. It's a win for Abilene and it will be another great event!

Historic Home & Barn Tour

Join the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad for a historic home and barn tour! See inside otherwise private residences and barns.

Saturday, September 14
12:30 pm

Board the trolley bus at the A&SVRR Depot located at 200 SE 5th Street in Abilene, KS.  The first stop will be at the Historic 1880's J. S. Hollinger Farmstead for a tour of this historic home and limestone barn.  Then proceed to the Prospect Park Farm for a tour of the historic 1880's John Hiram Taylor home.  Enjoy a pleasant ride through scenic Dickinson County.  The tour will conclude back at the A&SVRR Depot around mid to late afternoon.

Abilene & Smoky Valley Dinner Train Schedule

Steam Engine w/steam
Don't miss out on the opportunity to ride and dine with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad this season!

Board the trolley bus at the A&SVRR Depot located at 200 SE 5th Street in Abilene, KS.  

The first stop will be at the Historic 1880's J. S. Hollinger Farmstead for a tour of this historic home and limestone barn. 

Then proceed to the Prospect Park Farm for a tour of the historic 1880's John Hiram Taylor home.  

Enjoy a pleasant ride through scenic Dickinson County.  The tour will conclude back at the A&SVRR Depot around mid to late afternoon

Diesel Locomotive:
  • Saturday, September 14 @ 6 pm - Prime Rib 
  • Saturday, September 28 @ 6 pm - Fried Chicken
  • Saturday, October 12 @ 6 pm - Prime Rib
  • Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm - Fried Chicken 
Steam Locomotive
  • Saturday, October 5 @ 6 pm - Fried Chicken
We Like Ike & Love Ida-The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene, Kansas 

It wasn't by design but we have traveled to two very impactful areas of the Midwest that a couple of the most important presidents called home. The first was Medora, ND where Teddy Roosevelt was molded into the future US leader he became. Most recently was here in Abilene, KS where a humbled upbringing created a man that helped shape the world forever. At the end of the day, he was just fine with being a kid from Abilene.

Abilene Fire Department Celebrates 150 Years

A fire apparatus parade, open house and bell ringing ceremony are a few of the events planned for the Abilene Fire Department's 150th anniversary celebration Saturday, October 12.

The celebration begins at 1:00 pm with a fire apparatus parade. The parade, which begins at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, will feature fire apparatus from more than 25 Kansas communities including Salina, McPherson, Clay Center and Blue Township (Manhattan).

"Registrations are coming in daily and we anticipate a large parade," said Kirk Gable, Abilene firefighter and event planning committee member. "It's not often events like this take place."

Following the parade, the Abilene Fire Department will host an open house, bell ceremony honoring past firefighters, open house and safety trailers for kids and community members.
The Abilene Fire Department's new engine #34, featuring President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will also make its debut.

"We are excited to showcase the new fire truck," said Abilene Fire Chief Bob Sims. "It's a great piece of equipment and something the community can be proud of."
Find more information about this special event on Facebook at Abilene, Kansas Fire Department 150th Anniversary Celebration.
 
Parade Route:
The parade will begin at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum visitors center and travel north to NW 3rd Street, west to Pine St and east to NW 7th before ending at the Abilene Fire Department at 419 N Broadway St.

Kansas Travel Information Center Update

The  Kansas I-70 Association  room at the Kansas Travel Information Center is officially open and ready to serve Kansas I-70 travelers. Make sure to check it out on your next visit to/from Colorado

Throwback Thursday


The Salina Journal, September 18, 1972
5 Star Reviews - Abilene's Victorian Inn
 
This inn is one of the best B&B's that I've experienced in over 40 years. The entire house is tastefully decorated with period furniture and some whimsy as well. '40's Big Band music comes from the floor radio in the parlor. Rooms are well appointed and the entire house is very quiet. Chef Adrian, a member of the American Culina

-dwilhelms, Aberdeen, Washington

Share your news!
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  Julie@abilenecityhall.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS



EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
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)
Abilene Gun Show Saturday, November 2 @ 9am - 5 pm; Sunday, November 3 @ 9am - 3pm Sterl Hall
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
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Christmas Lights Tour December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 @ 6 pm and 7 pm. Pickup: Abilene Travel Information Center / Civic Center parking lot (east end)

Cost: $5 per person ages 3 and older.
Call: 
785-263-1077 for reservations.
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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