*NEW* Holiday Inn Express Coming to Abilene
The Abilene City Commission unanimously approved an incentive package for a new Holiday Inn Express.

The new hotel will feature 70 rooms and the former Holiday Inn Express property will be re-branded under another flag.

More information coming soon!

Abilene Fire Department Celebrates 150th Anniversary


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 Oct. 12.

The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with a fire apparatus parade. The parade, which will begin at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 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."

After the parade, the Abilene Fire Department will host a 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 Broadway St.
Museum Rededication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

World Premier - Empires Fall at Great Plains Theatre

A world premiere of a new play by the only press secretary in United States history to be appointed by two Presidents, Marlin Fitzwater. 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 country, also protects the world. More relevant than ever, Empires Fall is a theatrical event not to be missed.
Rated PG


New Rules of Business Success Workshop a Success
The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA Rural Development, hosted a workshop with nationally-known business destination marketing expert Jon Schallert on Monday and Tuesday at the Greyhound Hall of Fame.

Attendees from Abilene and as far away as Emporia, Colby, Dexter and other communities attended the workshop. 

Throwback Thursday


The Salina Journal - April 4, 1954


5 Star Reviews - Seelye Mansion
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS



EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
Impact the Cure Saturday, October 12 @ 8 am Impact Sports and Fitness
Museum Rededication and Ribbon Cutting Saturday, October 12 @ 11 am Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Vintage Base Ball Game Saturday, October 12 @ 1 pm Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Abilene Fire Department 150th Celebration and parade Saturday, October 12 @ 1 pm  Abilene Fire Department
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
*SOLD OUT* 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
Halloweenie Spooktacular Friday, October 18 @ 6 pm - 7:45 pm Abilene Parks & Recreation
Spooktacular Saturday, October 19 @ Noon - 6 pm Old Abilene Town
Karaoke Night Friday, October 25 @ 7-10 pm Old Abilene Town
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
*SOLD OUT*  Silver Flyer Railbus Saturday, October 26 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
5th Annual Tombstone Talks Friday, November 1 @ 6:30 pm and 8 pm Great Plains Theatre
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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Thanks for sticking with us! We know we share a lot of information. In an effort to reward our loyal readers, we are hosting a special contest.

Cooler temperatures mean chili weather! The first person to comment "I Like Abilene" on our Thursday, October 10 Facebook post featuring the I Love Abilene soup mugs will win a free mug! 

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