Abilene Celebrates Mother’s Day Weekend!

With Mother’s Day weekend just around the corner, Abilene is gearing up for a weekend full of exciting events, promising both visitors and locals a delightful array of activities.

Saturday, May 10th:

6th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest: Explore treasures among over 50 vendors with multiple booths at the Abilene Downtown Antique Fest. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event spans Kirby Avenue to North Broadway Street, from NW 3rd to NW 4th Streets.

“Mother’s Day weekend is always bustling 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.

Downtown Abilene – Cruise for Food Car Show: This year, the car show takes over downtown. 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: Enjoy two special Smoky Valley Limited Trains on Saturday, May 10th. The first, Jenny Seelye’s Tea Party, 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. The menu includes 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.

Baseball Tournament: In addition to these events, Abilene Parks and Recreation will host 21 teams for the Abilene Baseball Club Tournament on Saturday.

Dining:

Legacy Kansas: Munson's Prime & Bookville Hotel is also anticipating a busy weekend. Open from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, visitors can enjoy a special family-style meal. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. Learn more at www.LegacyKansasAbilene.com.

On Saturday, some local restaurant options include: M&R Grill will be open to accommodate these special events from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gina’s Hairtiques, The Gift Parlor, and Genny’s 2.0 will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Midwest Creamery & Q will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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.”