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Calendar of Events
December
1-Jan 15 Seelye Mansion Christmas Tours 4, 12 5th Annual Christmas Tea, Abilene's Victorian Inn
5 Night of Christmas Magic, downtown Abilene
Lighting of the Mayor's Christmas Tree, Santa, Lighted Parade,
8th Annual Holiday Brunch-263-1884
Annual Craft Show, Sterl Hall-263-3474
5-6 Homes Tour 263-2231
6 Abilene City Band Concert, Eisenhower Visitors Center 263-6700
6 Christmas in the Cabin, The Heritage Center, 6 p.m.
11-13 Trolley Tours reservations 263-2231
11-20 Great Plains Theatre "She Loves Me" 401 Cottage, 263-4574
12 Santa Train, 1 p.m. 263-7266
18-20 Trolley Tours 263-2231
January
1-15 Seelye Christmas Tours
23 Kansas Statehood Ball, Sterl Hall
30 Winter Wonderland Murder Masquerade, Great Plains Theatre, 401 Cottage 263-4574
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Christmas Tradition Trolley Tours
The annual Christmas lights tours are scheduled for Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20. A 6, 7, and 8 p.m. tour will be offered. The tour passes by Abilene homes decorated for Christmas. Cost of the tour is $6 adults, $2 children. Reservations are required by calling 263-2231.
Bring a blanket! Tours will be cancelled if inclement weather.
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Arts Council Hosts Holiday Brunch
December 5
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Great Plains Theatre Holiday Production Opens
December 11
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 Director's Dialogue
I'm feeling a little melancholy as I compose this month's Director's Dialogue, knowing it will be my last as CVB Director. After 45 years in this industry, I am retiring at the end of the year. It has definitely been an adventure, which began in my hometown of Norton, where I worked for the Chamber for 12 years. I had the opportunity to be Chamber Exec for three Chambers of Commerce and worked for a Regional Planning Commission before coming to Abilene in 2007.
One of my favorite quotes is "Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take.....but by the moments that take your breath away." Throughout my career, I've had many of those moments and great memories that span my lifetime. What I have enjoyed most is the diversity, definitely "not the same stuff, different day," kind of job. I've flown aerobatics with the Red Barons when organizing an air show, to kissing a pig, having a pie thrown in my face and sitting on a dunk tank.
Abilene has been a great little city for the final chapter in my working career. Tourism is my passion and I couldn't have found a better place than the "Town That Raised a President." I've had the opportunity to connect with lots of people and have made many long-time friends. Thank you to all who have been involved in my life!
The City is so graciously hosting a retirement party for me on Wednesday, December 16, 2-4 p.m, at the Civic Center. I would love to see you here.
Glenda Purkis
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Homes for the Holidays Homes Tour
The Heritage Homes Association will hold its 39th annual Home Tour this weekend in Abilene. Four historic homes are featured including the newest bed and breakfast - the Engle House. Brown Memorial home is also on the tour, in addition to the Volkmann Cabin. This year, the Faith Lutheran Church is on the tour.
| Tour times are Saturday, December 5, 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Abilene CVB office or the Heritage Center.
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Night of Christmas Magic
The 9th annual Night of Christmas Magic is Saturday, December 5, in downtown Abilene. Many stores will provide candy for the children. Others will offer various craft activities. There will be strolling carolers, a performance by the Parks & Rec Dance Department, and much more.
The lighted parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the depot and Mayor's Christmas tree. Santa will greet the children from 6-8 p.m. in the depot. Checkout the full schedule here.
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 Abilene City Band Performs at Eisenhower Presidential Library Holiday Open House
The public is invited to the annual holiday open house at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home on Sunday, Dec. 6. The Abilene City Band will perform a free concert at 2 p.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium followed by refreshments.
"This concert has become a holiday tradition for families, and we look forward to it each year," said Karl Weissenbach, Director. "It's also your last chance to see the current supplements to the major exhibit, World War II Remembered: Leaders, Battles & Heroes."
The supplements include:
* Battle of the Bulge/Rhineland Campaign
* The Berlin Strategic Offensive
* Operation Detachment (Iwo Jima)
* Operation Iceberg (Okinawa)
These supplements will come down Dec. 7, and the final installment of supplements will open Christmas week. They will examine the last months of WWII and its immediate aftermath through a social, political and economic lens. Topics will include the nuclear attacks against Japan, war crimes tribunals in Europe and Japan, and the plight of displaced refugees.
The core exhibit of World War II Remembered: Leaders, Battles & Heroes in the Museum and theBe Ye Men of Valour: Allies of World War II exhibit in the 2nd floor gallery of the Library will remain on display throughout the coming year.
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Christmas in the Cabin
The Heritage Center will host their annual Christmas in the Cabin on Sunday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m., 412 S. Campbell St. A live nativity scene, free hot chocolate and children's activities will be offered.
There will be activities in the Volkman Cabin. A pioneer
 family will decorate a tree using the theme of a frontier Swedish Christmas, cook on the wood burning stove and tell stories of what life was like in the 1860's in Dickinson County.
Thad Beach will provide songs in the museum, and Santa will greet the kids. Visitors can ride on the 1901 C. W. Parker carousel while listening to the Wurlitzer Band organ. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, weather permitting.. The Faith Lutheran Church will provide a live nativity scene in the Prichard Barm from 6-8 p.m.
For more information, contact the Heritage Center at 785-263-2231. |
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