Abilene Tourism Advocate

January 15, 2026

Local Inn Honors First Responders with Annual Appreciation Meal

Last week, Jay and Adrian Potter of Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast hosted their annual First Responders Thank You Meal, welcoming more than 60 local first responders. They also prepared to-go meals for those working in dispatch or unable to attend in person. This thoughtful tradition is their way of thanking the men and women who serve and protect the residents and visitors of Dickinson County.

Ike's Essential Leadership Qualities (Lunch & Learn)

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Eisenhower Library Building - indoor courtyard

200 SE 4th Street, Abilene KS 67410

Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST

Guest Speaker: Daniel Vermilya, Park Ranger

Eisenhower National Historic Site

The Eisenhower Presidential Library will host a special Lunch & Learn program, "Ike's Essential Leadership Qualities," on January 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. CST. The hybrid program will be held in the Library building indoor courtyard and online via YouTube Livestream. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

The program will feature Daniel J. Vermilya, a Park Ranger at the Eisenhower National Historic Site, who will delve into the leadership philosophy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The discussion is based on an article Eisenhower penned for Reader's Digest in June 1965, where he outlined "a handful of known qualities which I am convinced are the essence of leadership."

Attendees will explore the specific characteristics Eisenhower deemed vital for effective leaders and hear illustrative stories from his long and distinguished military and political career. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the principles that guided one of the 20th century's most influential figures.

Vermilya coordinates educational programming and special events at Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA. With over 15 years of service with the National Park Service, he has also worked at Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

The 2026 programming season is dedicated to celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Join us throughout the year as we examine President Eisenhower's top accomplishments in the continual pursuit of a more perfect Union.



These programs are all made possible courtesy of The Eisenhower Foundation.

Kansas Statehood Ball

Dance the night away to traditional tunes from the 1860s to the 1880s to commemorate the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence – thus, the birth of our nation – and the 165th birthday of Kansas during the Heritage Center’s annual Statehood Ball from 7-10 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Sterl Hall, 619 E. Rogers, in Abilene.

Preceptor Derrick Doty will lead contra dancing, a popular folk dance during the1860s in which dancers form two facing lines performing patterns of walking, swinging and twirling to live music as led by a caller. Doty will teach and call out the moves to the Virginia Reel, Two Star Promenade, Ladies Chain, Mad Gypsy, Four Light Winds and more, making it easy for beginners to join in without needing a partner or experience, according to Dickinson County Historical Society Director Austin Anders.

Music from the 1860s through the 1880s will be provided by the Kansas State Brigade Band.

Valentine's Day Dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion, offered on Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14. This special experience invites couples to enjoy a memorable evening inside Abilene’s most treasured historic home.

The evening begins at 6:00 pm with a champagne toast in the grand ballroom, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30 pm. The menu, catered by Lucinda Kohman, features baby spinach and strawberry salad, Parmesan chicken, stuffed flank steak, roasted baby potatoes, green beans almondine, a dinner roll, and chocolate sweetheart cake. Tables will be beautifully set with the mansion’s Haviland china.

Each table will include a long-stemmed rose and chocolate favors for guests to enjoy and take home. Seating is limited to 60 guests ach evening, creating an intimate and welcoming dining experience. Proceeds from the event will support the continued preservation of the Historic Seelye Mansion.

Mary Jean Eisenhower, board member of the Historic Seelye Foundation, shared the significance of the evening. “The Seelye Mansion holds a special place in Abilene’s story, and this Valentine’s dinner is a wonderful way to experience its elegance while helping ensure its future for generations to come,” said Eisenhower. She also noted that her grandparents, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1916, adding another heartfelt connection to the celebration.

Tickets are $80 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 785-263-1084. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and enjoy a Valentine’s Day celebration that supports one of Abilene’s cherished landmarks.

Best Places to Live in Kansas

by Ramsey Solutions

You know what they say—there’s no place like home. And in Kansas, that can mean a lot of different things depending on where you land—from polished suburbs to college towns to wide-open space.

If you’re considering a move to Kansas, it’s important to choose a city that fits your budget, lifestyle and family’s needs. So, to give you a peek at some of your options, let’s take a look at the best places to live in Kansas.

Eisenhower: The Man Who shaped a Nation

by Robin O'Neal Smith /Extended Weekend Getaways

Dwight D. Eisenhower’s story is one of grit, leadership, and lasting influence. From his small-town Kansas roots to commanding Allied forces in World War II and guiding America through the 1950s, Eisenhower left a mark that still shapes the country today.

9 Amazing Historical Attractions off I-70

by Gary Thompson

As you drive along Kansas’ main west-east stretch, pull off at these nearby attractions to see the state through history’s rearview mirror.

2026 American Flag Supporters

Visitors to Abilene frequently comment on the beautiful American flags lining Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street. These flags are a source of pride and one of the many wonderful features that make our community stand out as one of the Best U.S. Small Towns to Visit.

As we look ahead to 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is more important than ever that Abilene shines. America 250 will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our nation’s founding, and our flags will play a major role in showing our patriotism to residents and the thousands of visitors who will come to Abilene.

To prepare for this milestone year, the City of Abilene’s Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking sponsors for the American flags, which are placed on poles from I-70 along Buckeye Avenue to the south city limits and from Buckeye west on NW 3rd Street. The flags are flown from the Eisenhower Marathon weekend in April through Veterans Day. Because they are displayed for seven months, the flags and poles experience significant wear and tear, and the City of Abilene’s Public Works Department replaces them as needed.

Our goal is to raise enough funds to purchase 200 new flags for the 2026 season so that Abilene is ready for America 250 in 2026. Although the cost of flags and poles has risen significantly, we’ve kept sponsorships at $25 so that more people can participate. Your sponsorship helps offset the cost of purchasing and maintaining the flags and ensures this beloved tradition continues.

We invite you to be part of this effort by sponsoring one or more flags this year. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to the Abilene CVB by January 23, 2026.

Thank you for helping Abilene put its best foot forward for America 250!

2026 Sponsors

1. Curtis & Sandy Rein
2. Jeremy Stuck
3. In Memory of Jack Olson, Jr.
4. Copeland Insurance Agency
5. Alan & Sara Baier
6. Bill & Nanc Scholl
7. Brandon L. Rein
8. The Abilene Group Financial Advisors 
9. LeDuc Memorial Design INC.
10. Nathan & Kari Zook
11. Lynn Peterson
12. Cashion James
13. Last Chance Graphics
14. Bryan & Cassy Wilson
15. Rawhide Portable Corral
16. Sharon Roberts-Meyer
17. Jen Helmer
18. Jason & Katrina Loader
19. Anne Rose
20. Annette Wilson
21. Wilson Bulk LLC
22. Carol Spitcaufsky
23. Tod & Leesa Hettenbach
24. John & April Barker
25. Shari Lenhart
26. The Ballenger Family from Wamego
27. Bill & Marlene Howe
28. Bob & Shirley Wege
29. KJIL Radio
30. In Memory of Rick VanNess
31. In Memory of Betty VanNess
32. Bill & Marsha Mauch
33. Audra Ewing
34. In Memory of CW04Willis Duane White, USMC-RET
35. Ross Boelling
36. In Memory of Jack Wilson
37. Eric Amy Bennett and Alex Altwegg
38. In Memory of Wesley W. Hoch 
39. In Memory of Russel Atlwegg
40. Sonic Drive In of Abilene
41. Greyhound Hall of Fame
42. West's Plaza Country Mart
43. Bert and Wetta Abilene Inc.
44. Vine Creek Accounting
45. John and Judy Anguiano
46. David & Angela Elliott
47. Duri Ridge Free State Armory LLC
48. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home
49. Danner Funeral Home
50. Scott Litke
51. Holm Automotive Center
52. Geske Interiors Inc
53. Pottberg Gassman & Hoffman
54. Brierton Engineering
55. Gary A. Sweatland
56. Astra Bank
57. Jessica Goodale
58. Alex Foltz
59. Casey & Jane Foltz
60. Solomon State Bank
61. Les & Michele Snowball
62. Chuck & Ann Brussow
63. In Memory of Kim Bogart
64. Cathy Strowig
65. Harlan & Peggy Janke
66. In Honor of Jack & Betty Schneider
67. Martin & Marcia Schneider
68. Chuck & Kelsey Loader
69. In Honor of Bill Peterson
70. Matthew Kooser
71. Dean & Rose Johns
72. Fuji Asian Kitchen
73. Michael & Mary Rose Stoneking
74. In honor of "Disco Bob" Martel Jr.
75. In Memory of Chris Colosimo
76.  Greymeadows Alpaca Farm
77. In memory of Delmar Curran
78. In Memory of Elaine (Whitehair) O'Connor
79. In memory of Bill & Betty Whitehair
80. Trent Hungate
81. In Memory of Tommy Turnbow
82. Marlin & Melinda Fitzwater
83. Brian & Jane Phillips
84. Pioneer Farm & Ranch - Ace Hardware
85. National Greyhound Association
86. First Bank Kansas
87. Brian Tajchman Agency, Inc. - American Family Insurance
88. Lawrence M. Cooper, DDS
89. Barry & Diane Arp
90. Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
91. Bielefeld Insurance Inc.
92. Timber Ridge Properties
93. Randy and Vivian Picking
94. Tony & Diane Zeiger
95. Mack & Inge Teasley
96. Pattie Mayhew
97. Bruce & Denise Youtsey
98. Dickinson County Economic Development Corp
99. In Memory of Joe Foltz
100. Mary Jane Oard
101. In Memory of John Meuli Jr.
102. Rick & Marcia Williamson
103. Robson Oil Co. Inc. / Corner Stop Cenex / Liberty Cenex
104. Bill Marshall
105. SK Designs, Inc
106. Emilies Bauernhof
107. In Memory of Gordon and Joyce Kippenberger
108. In Memory of Joseph and Sarah Kippenberger
109. In Memory of Herbert Stecker
110. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Post 1969
111. In Memory of Mike Brierton
112. In Memory of Harry Counter
113. In Memory of Jack Counter
114. Rod & Tracey Kuecker
115. Brown Memorial Foundation
116. Tony & Sarah Geiger
117. Amanda West State Farm
118. In Memory of Mark Picking
119. Cypress Bridge Candle Co
120. Twila Jackson
121. The American Legion - James R. Cutter Post No. 39
122. Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy
123. Lumber House Inc.
124. Holt Motors LLC
125. Pinnacle Bank
126. Bennington State Bank
127. Rittel's Western Wear, LLC
128. Smart Insurance Services, Inc
129. Abilene Rent-All & Sales, Inc. 
130. Chris Murphy
131. Steve Cathey Jr. & Tish Cathey
132. Delmar Curran Family (Fund)
133. Faith Lutheran Church
134. Philip and Elaine Reed
135. Central Kansas Free Fair
136. In Honor of Bill Rankin
137. Mary Jean Eisenhower
138. Mid Hanson
139. Kent & Stephanie Clark
140. Darron & Kellee Timbrook
141. M&M Tire & Auto
142. RHV Do it Best Hardware
143. In Memory of Mike Rankin
144. In Memory of Kenneth D Rusk
145. In Memory of Chester and Elaine Strobel
146. In Memory of Andrew Kijowski
147. AuBurn Pharmacy
148. David and Julie Wilson
149. Peggy Meuli

*As of 1/14/2026

2026 is off to a great start! Check back weekly for updates as we receive more information from our partners about exciting events happening this year.

Community Spotlight