This weekend Abilene will have our very own homegrown celebrities back in the Big Country! Specialty fairs offer you a chance to buy local, prized craftsmanship for your loved ones and entertainment with local talent means a fun night out! Whether you plan on coming from near or very far, there are fun things to do in Abilene…where ever you are!

By Trish Dressen

 

Abilene will host the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival (C.A.L.F.) featuring the works of Dr. Seuss from June 14-17, 2012. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) and The Center for Contemporary Arts will exhibit more than 200 of Dr. Seuss’ paintings, sketches and sculptures. The Art of Dr. Seuss – A Retrospective Exhibition organized by Chase Art Companies and curator, William W. Deyer, celebrates the art and life of Theodor Seuss Geisel.

During the festival, downtown Abilene will be transformed into the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Children will enjoy dramatic presentations from seven Dr. Seuss books throughout the weekend with art activities held after certain readings. They can meet the characters, see the movies and explore the art works while visiting the landmarks of Abilene. Six bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters will be displayed throughout downtown. At the Abilene Zoo, visitors can board the Dr. Seuss inspired Safari Express Train to see animals, birds and reptiles.

The weekend is not just for children! Theodore Geisel began his career as a cartoonist and was a prolific artist whose works span 65 years. His early works include his art as a cartoonist for children’s books, drawings featured in Life magazine and book illustrations. On display will be original and reproduced memorabilia spanning Geisel’s editorial, advertising, military and book careers, along with estate authorized reproductions of his “Secret Art” collection.

Registration prior to June 1 is $10 for adults, $5 for children and after June 1, $12 for adults and $7 for children. Each registrant will receive a lanyard for access to Dr. Seuss exhibits, readings and art activities. Registrants also receive one-half price admission to Frontier Texas!, the Abilene Zoo and The Grace Museum. The festival begins at noon on Thursday, June 14 and concludes on Sunday, June 17 with the Father’s Day Picnic at the Abilene Zoo featuring Hop on Pop reading from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

C.A.L.F. is sponsored by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to promote, encourage and support the arts, and to enhance the image of Abilene as a center for the arts. Although the festival ends June 17, Dr. Seuss’ works will continue on display September 1, 2012. The annual festival will feature a new artist next year.

For an itinerary and information on all the activities for the C.A.L.F. featuring Dr. Seuss, visit http://www.abilenecac.org/calf or 325-677-1161. For information on Abilene’s attractions and hotel accommodations, please visit www.abilenevisitors.com, or call (800) 727-7704.

TM &© Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

By Trish Dressen

 

Make plans to visit Abilene this Texas Independence Day for the Outlaws & Legends Music Fest March 2-3! The festival kicks off Friday, March 2, with more than 10 artists performing an unplugged acoustic song-swap show from 8 p.m. to midnight, followed on Saturday by the biggest one-day, one-stage Texas music festival from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The night of March 3 will cap off with a spectacular encore of the artists sharing the stage playing their biggest hits from midnight to 1 a.m. Proceeds will once again benefit the Abilene-based Disability Resources Inc. (DRI), which provides residential care and vocational training to developmentally disabled individuals. Last years Outlaws and Legends Music Fest generated close to $32,000 for DRI.

The festival will take place at Abilene Speedway, 6825 W. Highway 80 in Abilene. Gates will open at 4 p.m. Friday, and attendees must vacate the Speedway by noon on Sunday, March 4. Fans may bring their own cooler, any size, for a fee of $20 per cooler. Three hundred RV spaces are available for $40 each on a first come, first served basis. Vendors will be on site serving food and selling paraphernalia.

The Marshall Tucker Band will headline this year’s festival. This legendary multi-gold and platinum rock and country band has produced 38 albums and 16 Billboard Top 100 hits on the country music and rock charts. Other artists include Roger Creager, Lee Roy Parnell, Mark Powell and Lariat, Gary P. Nunn, Matt Martindale, Eleven Hundred Springs, Jamie Richards, Whiskey Myers, Larry Joe Taylor, Jerrod Medulla, Charlie Shafter, Charla Corn and Bracken Hale. These performers have amassed a combined total of 28 Billboard USA Top 100 singles and close to 100 Texas music chart singles since 1968. This will be a rare opportunity to see many of these legendary Texas artists share the stage during afternoon and evening sessions.

You have till January 31 to purchase general admission tickets for only $30; $35 by March 2 or $45 at the gate. Receive $5 off with college or military I.D. at all ticket locations; not available online. Single tickets may be purchased online at www.outhousetickets.com or at these locations: Kent’s Harley Davidson (Abilene), Image Sculptures (Abilene), First National Bank of Baird locations (Abilene, Baird, Clyde, Brownwood), N-Tune Music (Abilene, Midland, Odessa), or Erath Iron and Metal (Stephenville).

For a full festival schedule and detailed information, visit www.outlawsandlegends.com. Happy Independence Day, ya’ll!

By Trish Dressen

 

The hustle and bustle of the New Year is in now in full swing! Enjoy this three-day weekend in Abilene; we offer a variety of way for you to spend your time!

Start your weekend with a bang by attending tonight’s Center for Contemporary Arts first Artwalk of 2012! Dress in authentic 50s garb and celebrate “poetry in motion: the beat generation!” From 5-8:30 p.m.! Hear live readings from Wylie poetry club and other local poets in Abilene’s historic downtown.

Need some true Big Country excitement? Try visiting the Abilene Civic Center for the Texas Gun and Knife show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is only $5 per person. Call 830-285-0575 for ticket information. Watch the classic, “Roman Holiday” starring Oscar winner Audrey Hepburn at the historic Paramount Theatre. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and start at $5 for seats.

Planning a wedding in 2012? Head over to the total bridal show from 12-5 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center on Sunday; cost is $7 to $8 dollars to plan the day of your dreams! Call 800-772-9181 for tickets. Also on Sunday, the Buffalo Gap Historic Village will host their Military Appreciation Day! If you are in the area and are an active or retired military member, bring your family from noon to 5 p.m. to enjoy a festival that thanks you!

Still in Abilene on Monday? Join us on January 16 to celebrate the life of MLK at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. Happy three-day weekend!

By Trish Dressen

 

Happy Wednesday! My name is Trish Dressen and I am the new voice of the vactionplanning.net blog! As a native of this fine city, I am excited to inform you of all the happenings in Abilene and take a real look on how to spend your time in this fine town!

Listen closely the next few weeks for the sound of jingling spurs coming from the Taylor County Expo Center! For the 20th consecutive year, Abilene will play host to the Abilene Spectacular Cutting. Not only will you have the chance to view the exciting sport of cutting horse, but you can be a part of all of the energy that comes along with it!

What is this sport that people celebrate so joyously in West Texas? Cutting is an equestrian event where a rider and their horse work together to separate a single animal away from a cattle herd and keep it away a certain amount of time. The dynamic duo is judged on how well they accomplish that feat!

The Abilene Winter Circuit Cutting runs from now until through Jan. 2 and is followed by the Abilene Spectacular, which ends Jan. 14. The two events generate $813,000 into Abilene’s economy during a typically slow visitor season with more than 600 visitors expected!

Competitions begin at 8 a.m. and are free to the public. The Gully Ranch produces the spectacular show; for interviews contact Carolyn Gully at 325-669-3660. Plan to attend the Abilene Spectacular Cutting events and meet some of the worlds’ best cutting horses and owners!

By Shanna Smith Snyder

 

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time in Austin – the live music capital of the world – visiting my little brother. As I sat down to write my blog this week, it got me thinking about what kinds of live music acts are coming to Abilene this month. Taking your significant other on a date to see some live music would be a fun night out, plus a nice way to spend some quality time together before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

After doing some research, I found a number of performances that I think would make for a different, fun and affordable date night. It all depends on what type of music you’re in to, but I think there’s something here for everyone. When you look around, Abilene has quite the variety of things to do night after night!

First up, for all who love Broadway musicals – Broadway is back in Abilene tomorrow night with “Young Frankenstein.” This event will be at the Abilene Civic Center and the production is based on the classic Mel Brooks movie. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35-50 per person. Purchase tickets online at celebrityattractions.com.

When it comes to music, you can’t forget about the classical forms either. More than 200 students will perform duets and ensembles at the Abilene Music Teachers Association Ensemble Festival on Saturday in HSU’s Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall and Choir Room, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. On Monday, Nov. 21, the ACU Department of Music will host the Manhatten Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Free.

For country western music, check out the Lucky Mule Saloon. This Thursday, Kyle Bennett along with The Swindlers will perform and on Saturday, Aaron Watson will take the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. Info and tickets: 325-232-8561. Coming up in December, the Zach Harmon Band will play at Chelsea’s Pub; Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 – both at 9 p.m. Info: 325-695-9200.

For all who seek to get into the Christmas spirit, the Abilene Community Band will perform their annual Christmas Concert at the historic Paramount Theatre on Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. On Dec. 8, the Quebe Sisters Band will perform at the Paramount for the Big Country Christmas Concert, benefitting Disability Resources, Inc. 8 p.m. Lastly, the Abilene Community Theatre along with Chorus Abilene will host their second annual “Home for the Holidays” event – a holiday musical variety show. Dec. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults, $8, 12 and younger.

While this is only a quick glimpse of what’s to come, to see what shows are coming to Abilene, visit abilenevisitors.com/calendar.

Shanna Smith Snyder

 

This weekend, the historic Paramount Theatre held their 13th annual 24fps International Short Film Festival. This year’s festival was narrowed down to 32 films that were screened to the public and included some high profile films from this year’s circuit – including winners from SXSW in Austin, Sundance, Tribeca and SIGGRAPH, the large animation festival. The Paramount Theatre had more than 900 submissions in total this year (almost double what was entered last year); Abilene is so fortunate to have a film festival and event of this caliber!

Another great and interesting thing about the Paramount is that they screen independent Texas films once a month in correlation with the Texas Independent Film Network (TIFN). Most often, the Paramount features these films on ArtWalk night (second Thursday of every month)– so you can kill two birds with one stone; come downtown and see a great film, enjoy the Abilene art scene, eat and shop even later.

The TIFN takes a different Texas film on a circuit across the state each month. The TIFN partners with respected film organizations – like the Paramount Theatre – as well as the Austin Film Society, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and many others to help spread the word and guide programming decisions. Our Paramount Theatre is not only a beautiful historical landmark that plays host to numerous wonderful local productions – but is also a major part of a statewide and even international playing field with its partnerships and projects!

This week, you can catch “MARS” on Thursday. This film was an Official Selection at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival and 2010 BFI London Film Festival. It is directed by Geoff Marslett and is about a new space race born between NASA and the ESA. 7:30 p.m. Cost: Cost: $5 for students, children, military and seniors and $6 for adults. Other recent films screened at the Paramount in partnership with the TIFN include: Dance With The One, Happiness Is, The Whole Shootin’ Match and Happy Poet. For more information about the Paramount, call 325-676-9620 or visit paramount-abilene.org. For more information about the Texas Independent Film Network and upcoming films, visit texasifn.com.

By Shanna Smith Snyder

 

It is hard to believe, but it is getting to be that time of year again! The holidays have always been my favorite time, but they are especially special in Abilene because there is always something to go see, do and celebrate with your friends and family. Check it out:

Christmas Belles will open next weekend at the Abilene Community Theatre. If you’re in town and in the mood to see a show, here’s the scoop: It’s Christmas time in the small town of Fayro, Texas and the Futrelle Sisters – Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye aren’t exactly in a festive mood! Their hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve is guaranteed to bring joy to your world. November 10-12, 17-19, 25 and 26. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night. Cost: $5-10 per person. Info: 325-673-6271 or abilenecommunitytheatre.com.

You can also celebrate Christmas in November at the American Business Women’s Association annual arts, crafts and gifts sale at the Civic Center. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. No admission charge. Info: 325-673-1142.

Stroll through stunning homes brimming with holiday décor at the Abilene Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Home Tour, Saturday, Nov. 12. Home enthusiasts are invited to tour homes in the Fairway Oaks area, while receiving a special treat from local area musicians with live Christmas music performances throughout the homes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20 per person. Info: 325-677-6710 or purchase tickets online at abilenephilharmonic.org. Self-guided, map brochure included. 


You can also enjoy the annual performance of the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” performed by Abilene Ballet Theatre, Abilene’s regional ballet company, featuring special guest artists. The ballet will run at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2:30 and 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount. Cost: $10-$30 per person. Info: call 325-675-0303 or visit abileneballettheatre.org.

For even more holiday events in Abilene, simply visit abilenevisitors.com/calendar.

By Shanna Smith Snyder

There’s no shortage of activities for the entire family to enjoy together this Halloween weekend in Abilene! Whether you’re looking for fall festivals, pumpkin patches or haunted houses – we’ve got it! Choose your favorite activity and take your family, friends or visitors along for the (safe and affordable) ride!

Play Faire Park will host their annual Haunted House with McMurry’s HEI Fraternity and the Abilene Derby Dames. Friday through Monday, beginning at “dark-thirty.” Cost: $8 per person; miniature golf admission reduced to $3 per person. Info: 325-672-2977.

Frontier Texas! will host a PG-13+ haunted house, Fright at the Museum, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and Monday. Scenes are based on the horrors of frontier life and death, but expect surprises along the way! Cost is $10 per person. Tickets will be sold in advance at the front desk. For more information, call 325-437-2800 or visit frontiertexas.com.

Check it out if you dare! Abilene Mixed Martial Arts is hosting a Haunted Graveyard with three levels of scare, Friday through Monday. Gates open at dusk; around 8 p.m. Cost is $11 for adults (13+), $6 for children. "Level One" is appropriate for younger children. Located at North 10th and Judge Ely. All proceeds will help students compete at the 2012 U.S. Open in Florida, as seen on ESPN. Info: 325-518-2261.

A unique way to experience a movie in Abilene is to see them in the fully restored, historic Paramount Theatre. The Paramount will be showing “Carrie” on Saturday at 7 and 11 p.m. and on Monday at 7:30 p.m. A great film for Halloween – it’s Brian DePalma’s horror film about a teenage girl who wreaks vengeance on her high school tormentors. Starring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and Amy Irving. Cost: $6 all seats. Info: 325-676-9620.

Oakridge Church of Christ, located at 3250 Beltway South, will have their Community Trunk-Or-Treat on Saturday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be plenty of free activities for children including: candy apple decorating, face painting, black-cat bowling, Halloween-Themed photo booth and more. A stew and cornbread dinner will be provided for adults. Free to the public. Info: 325-370-1327.

Also on Saturday, the Abilene State Park will host the “Toadally Not Frightening Halloween Hike” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. You can take your child on a flashlight-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland creatures and hear about their lives. It’s a great alternative to traditional Halloween events. Each group of 15 will have a guide lead them safely on a lighted trail. Feel free to wear your costume. There will be face painting, hot cocoa and snacks available. The hike is free to the public. Info: 325-529-6599.

On Monday, the Church on the Rock, located at 1228 Grape St. will have their Harvest Festival. It’s a special event for children and their families as a safe alternative to Halloween. Enjoy games, candy and dinner from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free to the public. Info: 325-232-5341.

Don’t forget— there is still time to stop by the Pumpkin Patch at Disability Resources, Inc., 3602 N. Clack St. Bring your cameras, family and friends and make this event a fun outing for a morning or afternoon. Thousands of photo opportunities and pumpkins to purchase! Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to dusk, and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to dusk; through Halloween. For more information, call 325-677-6815 or visit driabilene.org.

By Shanna Smith Snyder

 

The fall season is the perfect time to check out a haunted house, visit a pumpkin patch or share some spooky tales. All of this and more is happening right here in our city! You won’t want to miss out!

Check it out if you dare! Abilene Mixed Martial Arts is hosting a Haunted Graveyard with three levels of scare, Friday and Saturday. Gates open at dusk; around 8 p.m. Cost is $11 for adults (13+), $6 for children. “Level One” is appropriate for younger children. Located at N. 10th and Judge Ely. All proceeds will help students compete at the 2012 U.S. Open in Florida, as seen on ESPN. For more information, call 325-518-2261.

It’s the last Saturday to check out the Ghost Tours at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, beginning at dusk. These are family-friendly spooky stories based on the history of the area. Admission is $10 per person, 10% discount to members. On Sunday, the Historic Village will host Military Appreciation Day from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free to active and retired military and their family members.
Info: 325-572-3365 or visit tfhcc.com.

Also on Saturday, the Jones Family Farm will host “A Fall Market” from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. There will be antiques, crafts, collectables, lavender gifts, specialty foods, jewelry and more. The farm is located at The Homeplace in Tuscola, 2034 CR 131. Info: 325-554-9610.

On Tuesday (Oct. 18), the Abilene Community Band will perform a free fall concert at the historic Paramount Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Info: 325-669-0283.

Disability Resources, Inc. will continue their annual Pumpkin Patch. There will be hayrides, story time and plenty of photo ops available to the public. Thousands of pumpkins will be available for sale. All proceeds benefit the folks who live and work at DRI. The pumpkin patch will be open through Oct. 31. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to dusk and Sunday, 1 p.m. to dusk. Info: 325-677-6815.