D-Day 75th Anniversary


Seventy five years after General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for Louis Graziano and some 156,000 fellow Allied troops to storm the beaches of Normandy, France, the D-Day veteran will be a guest in Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene.

Graziano, who turned 96 in February, has been invited to talk about his World War II experience, which started when the New York native entered the Army as a 19 year old in January 1943. He was in the third wave to hit Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, in the surprise attack orchestrated by Eisenhower, then supreme commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces, on German-occupied France that set the stage for Europe's liberation.

Graziano was invited by the Eisenhower Foundation and the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene, 90 miles north of Wichita, which is organizing a D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorative Week June 1 through 6 . Read more >


Symphony at Sunset
Commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day at this outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Activities will begin at noon, culminating in a performance of patriotic favorites by the Salina Symphony and members of the 1st Infantry Division Band. The Symphony will also be joined this year by guest artist Vanessa Thomas, a popular vocalist in the Kansas City area who performs regularly throughout the country, delighting audiences everywhere she is heard. Thomas is known for her seamless span of five octaves, and unique versatility and command of a variety of musical genres. She will be joining the Salina Symphony in performing a number of jazz standards as well as a powerful rendition of God Bless America.

Click here for a full schedule of events.
Escapes: Pack your bags and fill the tank. It's time for the All-American road trip

Abilene recently welcomed  Los Angeles Times writer Catharine Hamm. Read this story about the wonderful hospitality she received at  Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast and  Memorial Health System of Abilene, KS.

Safe travels, friends! 
Abilene Likes Ike!




Click here for more information about the contest, 
how to participate and where to get your Ike sign.
*Now Available* We Like Ike Buttons

Stop by the Abilene Travel Information Center to pick up your We Like Ike button! 

Buttons are only $1 and the perfect addition for front line employees, community cheerleaders and Ike fans. 
Throwback Thursday - Lena's "Farmhouse on the Hill"

On a gentle hill, just slightly west of Abilene on a winding curve of old U.S. 40, stands a small grove of skyward pines. Their roots sink deep into the hill made famous, almost legendary, by one women, one determined woman, named Lena.

Although Lena made her life's work out of her restaurant on the hill, her plan at the early age of 16 was far from that. At that tender age, and considered to be much of a tomboy, she longed to be a physical education instructor. But as fate would have it, on a weekend outing to Kansas City, she found herself believing the words of a fortune teller, who told her she should be in a place selling "foodstuffs" to the public. A kitchen was the last place she wanted to find herself, but soon she was there.

First there were other ventures, all in different locations, but again as fate would have it, one day in a restaurant just on up this very curve of old 40, Lena was in the process of tarring a roof when her hair caught fire and she found herself trapped. She jumped out a window and screen to safety only to turn and look up to the farmhouse on the hill. It is said at that moment she knew where her destiny lay. So, as history goes, she bought the house on the hill, and on Friday the 13th, 1939, she opened her farmhouse with a stag party for 100 men and "foodstuffs" were served from that day on, until 1974 when she closed for retirement. Lena fed tourists from coast to coast, high ranking White House officials, secret service men, foreign diplomats, governors, and Abilene's Favorite Son, President Dwight David Eisenhower.

Although many a story has circulated about this place, none are more fascinating or humorous than the one which occurred when, in 1965, President Eisenhower came face to face with a long honored tradition at Lena's.

It was the day the 34th President became "just an ordinary Abilene citizen." While dining at Lena's he watched a first world series game on television with friends and received an early 75th birthday paddling from Lena and one of her trademark paddles, which was signed and hung on a wall for all to see.

The history books will always spin the tales of Abilene's more famous citizens, such as U.S. Marshals Wild Bill Hickok, Bat Masterson, Tom Smith and even the humble beginnings of Dwight D. Eisenhower through war time heroics and political fortunes. But there shall always be a place reserved for one determined woman named Lena and her "farmhouse on the hill."

In the fall of 1994, with Lena in failing health and wanting to sell her life's work, fate would find Ed and June Kuntz, longtime restaurateurs in Abilene. While driving to Salina one day on old U.S. 40, they would spot a "For Sale" sign on the property. By January of 1995, Ed and June purchased the tract known as Lena's. Shortly thereafter Lena passed away. But through Lena's sister Nellie, Nellie's daughter Beverly and husband Al, and along with lifetime employee and friend Walter, they were able to bring back to life the "Farmhouse on the Hill," after nearly 20 years of dormancy.
5 Star Reviews - Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
 
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ATTRACTION & EVENT UPDATES

Dickinson County Heritage Center

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day the Dickinson County Historical Society and Jeffcoat Studio Photography Museum would like to honor all veterans who served during World War II by recognizing their contribution to their country.
 
A special exhibition will be unveiled reflecting the experiences of the World War II veterans from Dickinson County. We are pleased to present guest speakers who will share their own personal experiences of this momentous date in American history.
 
This commemorative event will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Historical Museum at 412 S. Campbell in Abilene. Refreshments will be served and admission is free.
Great Plains Theatre


Our first show of the season kicks off on June 14 with Pirates Of Penzance. Get your tickets now!
 
The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is one of the most beloved Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. A ridiculous premise provides many opportunities for rambunctious physical comedy and a delightful score. Winner of the 1981 Tony award and made into a popular film version with Linda Rondstadt and Kevin Kline.
Rated PG

Individual Tickets for all 6 shows are on sale now! Advance tickets are $35, tickets purchased at the door are $37.50, and Thursday Theatre tickets are $20.

Showtimes:
Friday, June 14 @ 7:30 PM (Follow by Afterglow)
Saturday, June 15 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 16 @ 2:00 PM

Tuesday, June 18 @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, June 19 @ 2:00 PM
Thursday, June 20 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, June 21 @ 7:30 PM (Followed by Cabaret)
Saturday, June 22 @ 7:30 PM

Old Abilene Town


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
Symphony at Sunset
Saturday, June 1
Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
75th anniversary of D-Day Thursday, June 6 Eisenhower Presidential Library
Live Music ft. Bryan Knowles Thursday, June 6 @ 8 pm Old Abilene Town
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)
D-Day Commemoration Saturday, June 8 from 2-4 pm Dickinson County Heritage Center
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
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
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)
Reitz & Rust Flavors of Fall Market Saturday, October 5 10 am - 4pm
Dickinson County Fairgrounds
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
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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