Abilene Gears Up for Mother’s Day Weekend
Updated 5/6/2024
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.
Wild Bill Showdown
The Chisholm Trail Extension District is hosting the Spring Small Animal Show on Saturday, May 11, at the Central Kansas Free Fair fairgrounds. Learn more at https://www.chisholmtrail.k-state.edu/4_h/events/Events.html
Dining
LOCAL FOOD OPTIONS
•Amanda's Bakery & Bistro – 302 N Broadway St (curbside)
•Dizzy Donkey Saloon – 311 N Spruce St
•Donut Palace – 105 NE 4th St
•Gina’s Hairtiques, The Gift Parlor, and Genny’s 2.0 – 318 N Broadway St (cinnamon rolls, bierocks, salads, etc.)
•Hapisoul Café & Juicery –118 NW 2nd (10:00 a.m. .- 4:00 p.m.)
•La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant - 301 N Broadway St (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
•Legacy Kansas: Munson’s Prime & Brookville Hotel – 105 E Lafayette. (traditional family-style meal)
•Legacy Kansas: Munson’s Taphouse – 105 E Lafayette (burgers, salads, sandwiches, etc.)
•M&R Grill – 1720 N Buckeye Ave (brunch from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and lunch/dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
•Midwest Creamery & Q – 102 N Buckeye Ave
•Normandy’s Bar at Abilene Golf and Fitness – 1705 Country Club Lane
•Sips Espresso Bar – 2309 N Buckeye Ave
•The Original Grande – 200 S Buckeye Ave
•Tossed-n-Sauced Pizza – 306 NW 3rd St
FAST FOOD
Hardee’s, Arby’s, Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Sonic and gas stations will also be open with food options.
FOOD TRUCKS (DOWNTOWN)
•Cynthia’s One Bite Delights Soul Food, Catfish
•Food Trippin-Burgers, Fries, Etc.
•Mama C’s Homemade Desserts
•We’re So Icey-Italian Ice, Etc.
•Kettle Corn
•Lots-N-Nuts
*Concession Stands will also be available at the Abilene Parks & Recreation ballfields and Central Kansas Free Fair fairgrounds.
**Restrooms are available at the Abilene Visitors Center (201 NW 2nd - east end of Union Pacific Train Depot) and Little Ike Park.
“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.”