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!

Christmas Events at the Civic Center in Abilene

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.

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 charge for admission. 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. Purchase tickets here. 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 click here.

For even more holiday events in Abilene, click here.

Jessica Jackson of Betty & June prepares for the Fall Trend Show

Over the past week, we’ve had a definite drop in the temperature! It is beginning to feel more like fall across the Big Country. The change in season always inspires me to do a little cleaning and clear out my closet…to make room for more clothes of course! You can count that I’ll be heading down to Betty and June this weekend.

A few entries ago, I wrote about a new boutique in town called “Betty and June.” If you missed it, this shop’s inspiration comes from the grandmothers of owner, Jessica Jackson and her husband. “Betty” was the fashion forward of the two, while “June” was more of a tomboy. Over the past few months, Jackson has successfully lived out her mission to merge the two characters into one central style. This Friday, Jackson and her team will have a chance to show off what they’ve been striving for. Betty and June is hosting a Fall Trend Show in historic downtown! The event will be held at the One-Eighty-One Event Center next to the shop. It will begin at 8 p.m.

You will not only get to see the runway show packed with stylish must-haves for the season, you’ll also get to participate in the “Meet and Greet” with the pros from Glow Beauty Studio and Neal Parker Salon.

Tickets are $35 per person, but all proceeds go toward a great cause – Young Life Abilene. Your ticket also includes hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and cocktails. Afterwards, the store will be open late so you can stock up on the items from the show. Ninety percent of the prices at the boutique are under $100.

For more information about Betty and June or to find out more about the Fall Trend Show, check out their Facebook page, tweet @shopbettyjune or call 325-672-1522.

Hand stamped luggage tags and shopping bags. Love.

Okay, okay – I fibbed. I don’t actually know either of them personally, but I have been to their boutique.

If you haven’t been shopping in the downtown area lately (tisk, tisk), here’s the scoop: at the beginning of April, the historic downtown area welcomed a super cute new shop called, “Betty & June Boutique.” If you’re anything like me, I get very excited when something new (and locally owned) opens in Abilene. With the buzz surrounding this newbie, I knew I had to get down there – pronto.

Hand-painted mural behind the register. Pictured: Owner, Jessica Jackson.

What’s in a name? Owner, Jessica Jackson, said that the inspiration behind the name “Betty & June” is derived from the grandmothers of both her and her husband (an Air Force pilot). Evidently, “Betty” was the more fashion-forward of the two, while “June” was the tomboy. Her goal? To merge the two into one central style. In my opinion, she’s accomplished it. You can feel the vibe throughout the store.

One of the things that I love most about the boutique is that Betty & June’s stories live on in a hand-painted, black and white mural behind the register. If you go, take notice, dear ones. Oh and P.S. Jessica is known to have chilled champagne or mimosas on hand by the register. Another thing that I adore about the store is that she left the floor “as is” and dressed up the location with colorful furniture and interesting hardware.

Overall, I believe one of the best things about Betty & June is the sheer uniqueness of what they carry.  There are items at the boutique that you simply can’t find elsewhere – especially not in “big box” stores. Betty & June currently carries clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories by brands such as: Havaianas, AG Denim, Seychelles, Judith March and Tolani – just to name a few. The majority are under $100.

Speaking of Tolani, if you saw me at Stephan Pyles’ dinner during the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, the silky tunic dress I wore was Tolani from Betty & June.

Fun furniture and unique hardware jazz up the space and help display items.

If you’re ever in the Abilene area, stop by and welcome these newcomers. Betty & June is located at 189 Pine St. in historic downtown. They are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (even later during ArtWalk and B!G Day Downtown). For more information, visit their website or call 325-672-1522. Jessica also does a great job of posting new items to the Betty & June Facebook Page, so be sure to take a look. Can you tell I am anxiously awaiting my next visit?

Are you ready for a B!G DAY DOWNTOWN?

You can jumpstart your day at the Farmer’s Market. They will open at sun up until produce is sold out. Music lovers will enjoy the “Abilene for Japan” benefit concert in Minter Park, Cypress St. and N. 2nd, featuring ten bands. Performances include: Magic Lamp Belly Dancers, 11 a.m.; Blinded By Bears (indie rock), noon; Catclaw Creek (bluegrass), 12:30 p.m.; Joie De Vivre (soul), 1:30 p.m.; Fraid Knot (original), 2 p.m.; Shane Cannedy (blues/rock), 3 p.m.; Smokin’ Blues Primos (blues), 3:30 p.m.; Philip Mahon (classic rock/folk), 4:30 p.m.; Hungry Mother (rock), 5 p.m.; and Kirk House (blues/rock/soul), 6 p.m. The entertainment is free, but donations will be accepted. “Abilene for Japan” also features a silent auction at Cockerell Galleries and Studios and t-shirts “Hope for Japan.” All donations and proceeds benefit Abilene’s own, Global Samaritan Resources.

Downtown merchants will be open offering give-away items, special sales and/or discounted admissions. Frontier Texas! is also hosting a living history day complete with cowboys and cannon fire, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Round out your day with dinner at the Beehive Restaurant & Saloon or Cypress Street Station & Abilene Brewing Company followed by more live music and coffee at Monks Coffee Shop, 7 p.m. to midnight.

For complete details, pick up a flyer at any downtown Abilene business or visit the event website.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hearn

Bailey’s atmosphere resembles an old malt shop. It has black and white checkered floors; shiny red leather bar stools and the walls are covered with memorabilia. Further contributing to the ambiance, music from the 50s and 60s plays softly in the background while you enjoy your ice cream.

The menu is on a giant chalkboard on the wall behind the counter. You’ll find items titled “The Lavern & Shirley” (iced Pepsi and milk) and “The White Phantom,” as well as old-fashioned sodas (such as Brown and Black Cows). However, they’re most known for their banana splits – especially their “Mana Banana Split”—that includes six scoops of ice cream and all the fixings! If you finish it, you get to sign their “Wall of Fame” and the staff will sing the “Mana Banana Name Song” for you when you do.

What to know when you go: If you bring an item in from the 50s or 60s to hang on their wall, Jed and Vicky Bailey will reward you with a free coke float. Prices range from $0.99 to $6.99 – very affordable for the portions and quality that you receive. If you feel as if you should be wearing a poodle skirt and be doing the hand jive upon entering, you wouldn’t be far off – especially on the weekends. Jed and Vicky Bailey dress up in costume!

Bailey’s is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Info: 325-690-0594.

Merry Christmas! Many fun & unique holiday gifts can be found in Abilene.

6. Local décor store, RELICS Home is known for carrying unique furniture from around the world, including Abilene and the region. However, they recently made me aware of the fact that they also have a large amount of fair trade and eco-friendly décor products and gifts for the home, including: candles, pottery, wall art and more. These products, along with jewelry made by local artists, are very popular for the holiday shopping season. Another great thing about RELICS is the fact that the owner, Rebecca, transformed the original Boyd Building bathrooms into a small cantina that servers complimentary margaritas every Saturday to shoppers. It might be just what you need after all your Christmas shopping! Cost: gifts range from $5 and up. Info: 325-670-9282.

7. For the foodie or for those who need a ‘taste of Abilene,’ Texas Star Trading Co. makes customized “Taste of Abilene” baskets that include Perini Ranch Steak Rub, DRI salsa, Harold’s BBQ sauce and more. Baskets start at $12. We also just got word that Texas Star will now carry the rustic ‘Abilene’ bricks from Abilene Brick Co. Bricks will include a historical information card and are great for a nostalgic piece, collector or historian. Cost: $9.99. Info: 325-672-9696.

"Taste of Abilene" gift baskets can be customized at Texas Star Trading Co.

8. Candies by Vletas. A delicious, handmade assorted chocolate gift basket from Candies by Vletas is a holiday gift that everyone will enjoy. Candies by Vletas also has other handmade candy selections, including peanut and pecan brittles, pralines, divinity, taffy and sugar-free options. The perfect gift for your boss, neighbor, teacher or friend. Located at 1201 N. 1st St. Information: 325-673-2005.

9. Send West Texas to a loved one. This next gift is ideal for a friend or family member who has visited the Abilene/Buffalo Gap area and just couldn’t make it back for the holidays or even the foodie. Order a mesquite-smoked peppered beef tenderloin from Perini Ranch or send them “Texas Cowboy Cooking” by Tom Perini. You can order both gifts online.

10. For the person on your list who seems to have it all, how about a gift card or gift certificate to one of their favorite local restaurants, shops or attractions? That is a great way to keep your gift personal, as well as choose the dollar amount of the gift according to your budget. For children or teens, what about a gift card to Prime Time Family Entertainment Center?

Abilene's Round Up Pass, Saves you money!

Another great certificate or “pass,” is the Abilene Roundup Pass; this admits you into all attractions for one low price, $15 for adults and $7 for children 16 and younger. This would be the perfect way to welcome a new family in town over the holidays that hasn’t been to any of the attractions yet! Passes can be purchased at any Abilene attraction or at the Abilene CVB. Info: 325-676-2556.

Lastly, don’t forget your stocking stuffers! As you can see, Abilene merchants have plenty of options. Don’t forget about the Abilene Zoo, their 3,400 sq. ft. gift shop is filled with children-friendly stocking stuffers and gift ideas that are both fun and educational.

From the friend that has it all to the youngster on your list—one of our top 10 items is sure to be the answer for the perfect Christmas gift. Do you have any recommendations or questions about the gifts? Tweet to us in our ‘Twisitor Center.’ Include #abilenevisitors in your post. For the most up-to-date details, follow us @AbileneCVB, or find us on Facebook.

Abilene's Christmas Village Collectibles

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Pick up something that is unique to Abilene for friends and family. In doing so, you’ll keep your dollars local. Better yet, you’ll save time and money by not traveling out of town just to shop and overall, you’ll help stimulate our local economy! To celebrate our Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do in Abilene, every year I ask our local attractions and businesses what the latest and greatest gift item is for the holiday season; so here is this year’s edition of the Top 10 Uniquely Abilene Christmas Gifts:

1. Christmas Village collectibles. Lighted ceramic replicas are the perfect addition to any collector’s Christmas Village, or start a new Abilene collection this year. Available Abilene landmarks: T&P Depot, The Grace Museum, the Paramount Theatre, and the Old Weather Bureau. Cost: $50-60 +tax. Replicas may be purchased at the Abilene Preservation League or at the Abilene CVB. Be on the lookout for the Swenson House coming soon! Info: 325-676-3775.

"Early Abilene" by Jack North

2. “Early Abilene.” Several of our attractions tell us that this new book is quite the hot item and they’ve all received new shipments in for the holiday shopping season. “Early Abilene” is a pictorial history of Abilene, Texas from 1881-1930. Local historian, Jack North, chose 200 photos from his collection of thousands to put the best together in this paperback. This book would make a great keepsake for anyone who loves Abilene or would be perfect for any history buff. Cost: $19.80-$21.99. Available at Texas Star Trading Co., Frontier Texas! and Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

3. Speaking of the village, this year they have six specialty ornaments depicting buildings from historic Buffalo Gap. Scenes are imprinted on each ornament and include: the post office, the Hill House, the gas station, the blacksmith, the Clyde Trade Depot and the Cottonwood Flat School. Cost: $14.95 each or $75 for all six. Rumor has it that the rustic chapel at Buffalo Gap will be added soon! Judging from our social media platforms, I know there are some huge Buffalo Gap fans out there. Have you taken a visitor out to the historic village this year? The set of ornaments would be perfect for them, the decorator or—of course, the history buff. Info: 325-572-3365.

4. Audio Tours/Local Music. Windshield History CDs are a great gift for anyone who has to make a long return trip home from the holidays. They are educational and entertaining. CDs available: “Audio Tour I: Fort Worth to Abilene, the Immigrants Trail West — U.S. Hwy 180 and TX Hwy 351” and “Tales of the Texas Frontier Audio Tour II: Abilene to Fort Worth I-20.” Other great musical CDs as you drive those long Texas miles: “Texas Road Trip,” “Texas to a T” from the Ball Ranch Family, “The Best of Travelin’ Texas.” Cost: $6 and up. Available at Texas Star Trading Co., Frontier Texas!, Buffalo Gap Historic Village, the Abilene CVB and various locations around town/Texas Forts Trail. Info: 325-676-2556.

Photo courtesy of Joyce Lavender Ranch

5. Frontier Texas! General Store is known for always being stocked with great Texas-themed gifts, toys, books, home furnishings and more. This year, the most popular buy are the regionally made lavender products from Joyce Lavender Ranch. The General Store carries oils, room/linen sprays, lotions/soaps, dried lavender, bath salts and more. Think mom, aunt, grandmother, sister, wife, girlfriend or best friend on this one! Cost: $3 and up. Frontier Texas! also mentioned their Texas-themed Trivets, a locally-made and Go Texan product. This is a fun kitchen item for anyone who loves to cook or decorate. Cost: $19-$28 depending on size and cut. Info: 325-437-2800.

Clothing available only in-store at DFS

Recently jilted? Then, a trip to Dead Flower Society just might be the thing you need to get over that ex in your life. This store is a business unlike any other you’ve seen. As seen on Texas Country Reporter, the Dead Flower Society in Abilene will deliver customized Texas Cow Patties, Stinky Fish, Moldy Mistletoe for the holiday season, or their signature—Dead Flowers—to anyone that you feel has done you wrong! (Well, maybe just that pesky coworker or neighbor).

Surprise! It's "Bothersome Bob!"

You can order these bizarre and funny gifts online, by phone or in person. If you visit their storefront, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. These gals enjoy the finer things in life too. They also carry Circle E and Cowboy Candles, as well as handbags and cute, colorful designer clothing! They are located at 4613 S. 14^th St. and are open daily. To place your custom order, or just for more information, check out the Dead Flower Society online or call 325-627-6556. However, owner, Connie Rose advises, “When ordering your cow patties, please keep in mind that processing time is 48 hours for glazing and drying. We feel sure you’ll understand!” Customized cow patties at Dead Flower Society are typically shipped or delivered within 72 hours from the time of order and cost between $19.99-$28.99.

Photo courtesy of the Abilene Reporter-News

The fall season and Halloween weekend welcomes a whirlwind of events to Abilene. Visitors and residents alike can celebrate the weekend in a safe, affordable manner with these great events!

Play Faire Park will host the Frater Sodalis Haunted House tonight through Sunday. Frater Sodalis, an ACU social club, has been putting on the haunted house for over 40 years. The haunted house is appropriate for older elementary-aged children and up. Cost is $8 per person. Group discounts are available. Open at dusk. Play Faire Park will also showcase two bands during Halloween weekend. On Friday, Wax Wings will grace the stage. On Saturday, 3 Shades of Blue will play Texas rock, country and blues. Both evenings will feature costume contests with prizes. Shows start at 7:45 and are free with paid golf admission. Info: 325-672-2977.

Frontier Texas! will host a PG-13+ haunted house, Fright at the Museum, from 8-midnight, Friday and Saturday. 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 their website.

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 Paranormal Activity at 7 and 11 p.m. on Saturday. Another great Halloween entertainment opportunity! $6 all seats. Rated R. Visit their website for more info.

Check it out if you dare! Abilene Mixed Martial Arts is hosted a Haunted Graveyard with three levels of scare, Friday-Sunday. Gates open at dusk. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children. Located at N. 10th and Judge Ely. All proceeds will help students compete at the 2011 U.S. Open in Florida, as seen on ESPN. Info: 325-672-7022.

Don’t forget-there is still time to stop by the Pumpkin Patch at DRI, 3602 N. Clack St. Bring your cameras, family and friends and make this an 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. Info: 325-677-6815 or visit their website.

For a complete list of haunted houses in Abilene and around the Big Country area, click here. Click here for a list of “trunk-or-treat” and fall festivals beginning Wednesday, Oct. 27.