By Ryan Duey
Abilene is gearing up for a spectacular Mother’s Day weekend, filled with exciting events that promise fun for both visitors and locals. With less than a month to go, here’s a preview of what you can expect on Saturday, May 11:
6th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest
Explore a treasure trove of goods among more than 50 vendors at the Abilene Downtown Antique Fest. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event will stretch along Kirby Avenue to North Broadway Street, from NW 3rd to NW 4th Streets.
“Mother’s Day weekend is always popular with antique enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to shop with our vendors and in our stores,” said Ricki Elliott from Abilene Downtown Antiques / Mud Creek Antiques.
In addition, the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation is also encouraging businesses to offer sidewalk sales during Mother’s Day weekend to capitalize on the added traffic.
Downtown Abilene – Cruise for Food Car Show
This year, downtown Abilene will be taken over by classic cars at the Cruise for Food Car Show. Hosted by Rod Riffel, owner of Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro, registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., costing $10 plus a non-perishable food item to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor and the Abilene Area Food Pantry. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing cars from NW 4th Street down Spruce to NW 2nd Street, including Little Ike Park and the Civic Center east-end parking lot.
“We’re excited to fill the streets with classic cars and support our nonprofit partners,” said Rod Riffel. “Depending on the weather, we anticipate more than 150 cars participating.”
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited
Embark on a journey through time with two special Smoky Valley Limited Trains on Saturday, May 11. The first, Jenny Seelye’s Tea Party, catered by Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro, departs at 2 p.m., offering a taste of early 20th-century high society with desserts and narration by Terry Tietjens of the historic Seelye Mansion. Later, at 6 p.m., enjoy a Mother’s Day Dinner catered by Lucinda’s Katering, featuring a menu of chicken cordon bleu, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and Chantilly cake. All rides take place in climate-controlled historic Chicago and Enterprise passenger coaches.
Learn more and get tickets at www.ASVRR.org.
Baseball Tournament
In addition to these events, Abilene Parks and Recreation will host 21 teams for the Abilene Baseball Club Tournament on Saturday.
Dining
Indulge in a variety of dining options at local restaurants, including Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro (curbside), Dizzy Donkey, Donut Palace, Gina’s Hairtiques, The Gift Parlor, and Genny’s 2.0, Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashioned Grill, Legacy Kansas: Munson’s Prime & Brookville Hotel, M&R Grill (lunch & dinner only), Midwest Creamery & Q, Normandy’s Bar at Abilene Golf and Fitness, Sips Espresso Bar, The Original Grande and Tossed-n-Sauced Pizza.
Food vendors will also set up at Antique Fest.
“This special weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s always a fun weekend and showcases why Abilene is consistently named one of the Best U.S. Small Towns to Visit.”
