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 Spectacular Cutting is currently running and ends Jan 14th.  This event, coupled with the Abilene Winter Circuit that ended Jan 2nd, generate $813,000 into Abilene’s economy during a typically slow visitor season with over 600 visitors expected!

Competitions begin at 8:00 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!

January 1, 2011 the ACVB launched a new revamped hospitality training class for hospitality employees entitled, “In Your Own Backyard.” The purpose of the class is to raise awareness about Abilene among hospitality employees, as well as teach them customer service traits so they can provide visitors with a positive experience! Participants visit Abilene attractions and learn what all there is to do in Abilene. In 2011 the ACVB educated over 75 hospitality employees in the Abilene area. This class is 4 hours and offered 6 times a year. It is free!  Contact us for dates in 2012 if interested!

Abilene was host to: Outlaws & Legends Music Fest, a first ever music fest that included over 6,000 residents and visitors in attendance on March 4-6. In addition the event was able to generate a donation of $31,810 to Disability Resources, Inc. The biggest 1 day, 1 stage event in Texas will return! The second annual Outlaws and Legends music fest will be held March 2-3, 2012. For more information check out www.outlawsandlegends.com.

Another first was our Your24 social media campaign. The premise of the contest was to video-capture, in four minutes or less, Your24: the hours that make up (or made up) your day in Abilene. Entries did not have to be professionally shot or edited, but were encouraged to be creative, energetic and include positive content about the entrant’s twenty-four hours in Abilene. All videos were professional panel and will be evaluated based on overall appeal, creativity and uniqueness to Abilene. Broken up into four categories in the Your24 Video Contest: Students, Locals, Visitors, and Businesses/Professionals. The campaign was a smashing success and we plan to continue it in 2012.

It was a banner year for the ACVB’s social media in general! Our bureau was selected as one of the 25 recipients for an Austin American-Statesman Texas Social Media Award. The Statesman reported that they received more than 358 nominations for the 2011 Statesman Texas Social Media Awards, a record. “We had a very strong lineup from which to choose the 25 winners,” said Robert Quigley, Statesman social media editor. The Abilene CVB social media strategy began a year-and-a-half ago with a simple Facebook page and it has since grown into several channels for communication to keep up with the times. The ACVB’s marketing programs promote an awareness of Abilene as a tourist destination. Social media has become an integral part of the ACVB’s overall marketing strategy, because it connects consumers to Abilene and allows us to connect with people around the world!

For the 22nd year, Abilene welcomed the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals in June. Each year the finals bring 660 contestants and over 1,200 visitors to Abilene. The event is held at the Expo Center and generates over $1.5 million into Abilene’s economy. We love having them and hope Abilene is called home for many more years!

What’s more West Texas than high school football? This year Abilene was host to 14 high school football playoff games from over 25 schools like Snyder High, Arlington High, Bronte and Windthorst. Over 42,000 people attended those games with an economic impact of over $630,000 dollars in just 4 weeks!

Through the efforts of the Abilene Sports Alliance and generosity of our community, a $1,000 college scholarship was awarded to awarded to one male and one female graduating student athlete from Abilene Christian, Abilene, Cooper and Wylie high schools. Since 2004, the ACVB Sports Alliance Committee has given out $53,000 in scholarships. We are looking forward to contributing to the futures of more deserving Abilene high school athletes.

These were just a few of our highlights from the past year. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. We look forward to new and exciting promotions and campaigns in 2012 and continuing to serve this great community!

KTXS-TV Parade of Lights in Downtown Abilene.

Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual City Sidewalks on Nov. 29!

You might ask “What is City Sidewalks?” City Sidewalks is the Abilene Downtown Association’s Christmas Open House. It’s the Association’s gift to the City of Abilene and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. You are invited to discover the charm of “an old-fashioned Christmas” as you shop, dine and play in historic downtown Abilene.

I have my evening nearly planned out. First, I’ll check out the Woodson Handbell Choir at the Abilene Reporter-News and Salt Kreek Bluegrass band at The Center for Contemporary Arts. Then, I kickoff my holiday shopping by purchasing myself a Christmas present (I do this every year). Next, it’s dinner with my husband at Cypress Street Station & Abilene Brewing Company. We love to watch the KTXS-TV Parade of Lights from their large windows. After that, it’s more shopping or maybe the Community Tree Lighting at the Abilene Civic Center.

To plan out your special evening, visit the Downtown Association’s website to view the complete list of restaurants, entertainment and shopping available from 5 to 8 p.m. that evening.

Hope to see you there!

Christmas Lane, Photo courtesy of the Abilene Reporter-News

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s the best time to start planning a trip to visit your family! While I can’t help with the rise in gas prices, the screaming baby in the back seat or make your annoying mother-in-law any more tolerable, I can help make your trip to Abilene more than just an ordinary road trip. If you are looking for family fun, I am here to help!

First and foremost, don’t forget to make a stop at the 21^st Annual Christmas Lane, located at 2501 Maple Street. This lighted outdoor Christmas display consists of a multitude of booths lined along a winding path for your viewing pleasure.  People can tune their car radios to 101.3 FM to listen to Christmas music during the tour. Also, don’t forget to let your children stop and take a picture with Santa ($5) and or even get out and call the  North Pole with their last-minute Christmas wish (free). This is an ongoing Abilene tradition that can’t be missed. Dec. 6 through Dec. 24, 6-10 p.m.

If you have any last-minute shopping once you roll into town, don’t hesitate to pack up the kiddos and head on out to the Mall of Abilene to get you’re shopping done and even visit Santa. Let your kids give Santa those last minute requests and get their holiday photos made. Photos are provided by Cherry Hill Photo with various packages available.

In Abilene, not only will you find the streets full of holiday lights and decorations, but if you get tired of using gas to drive all over town to look at Christmas lights, you have the option to visit McMurry University for their annual light display, located at S. 14th St. and Sayles Blvd. Visitors can enjoy holiday songs synched to a spectacular light show. The show is held daily from 6-7 p.m. and again from 8-9 p.m. and the best part is that it is free!

Looking for something to do that isn’t Christmas themed? Don’t worry, Abilene has you covered there as well. With over 13 local attractions, there is definitely something to keep you busy while you are in town. From art, science, games, history and even animals there is a little something for everyone. So, don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do in Abilene or visit our website for visitor coupons and more information.

Happy holidays and have safe travels!

Christmas at the Paramount. Courtesy of DRI Abilene.

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 www.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 our calendar.

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.

Official Poster for 2011 24fps International Short Film Festival. Courtesy of the Paramount Theatre.

This weekend, the historic Paramount Theatre held their 13^th 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 over 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 click here. For more information about the Texas Independent Film Network and upcoming films, click here.

Photo courtesy of the Abilene Reporter-News & Frontier Texas!

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.

Thousands of pumpkins available at DRI

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 www.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.

Play Faire Park

If you’re looking for affordable fun in Abilene, look no further than Play Faire Park. This colorful mini golf course has been serving the Big Country since 1947 and has been dubbed one of the oldest, continuously operated courses in Texas. The Park has two 18-hole golf courses packed with plenty of whimsical and “old school” challenges such as the loop-d-loo, spinning wheel and castle drawbridge.

The facility is not solely a miniature golf course—they host monthly tournaments, live music weekly, special events, parties and much more. The Park is also well known for hosting annual music festivals and even tie-dye clinics on the grounds!

In October, Play Faire Park will host the 7^th annual SOLID Groove Music and Arts Festival. There will be two stages and 26 performances by artists that call the Big Country home. This year, there will be artist booths and a children’s area with inflatables. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and coolers to enjoy this family-friendly event. On Friday, October 7, Walker Lyle will perform at 7 p.m.; Old Banner, 8 p.m.; Colton Owsley, 9 p.m. and 7 Stories, 10 p.m. On Saturday, October 8, Blinded by Bears will take the stage at 1 p.m.; 3 Shades Blue, 2 p.m.; Tony Barker, 3 p.m.; Yan Hartman Project, 4 p.m.; Meatball, 5 p.m.; Twyla Foreman and the Reserves, 6 p.m.; Slim Chance and the Survivors, 7 p.m.; Los Smokin Blues Primos / SOLID, 8 p.m.; Lance Richburg, 9 p.m. and Hunters & Gatherers, 10 p.m. On Sunday, October 9, Daniel Mathis will perform at 2 p.m.; Sherry Ball Luster, 3 p.m. Brenton Dowdy, 4 p.m.; Ignite, 5 p.m.; Kirk House, 6 p.m.; Catclaw Creek, 7 p.m. and Soul Church, 8 p.m. Cost: Friday, $6; Saturday, $10; Sunday, $6. Festival Pass: $15 per person for all three days. Tickets can be purchased at Relics Home or at The Park.

Play Faire Park is located at 2300 N. 2^nd St. in Abilene. During the fall, they are closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 3-10 p.m., Friday, 3-11:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1-10 p.m. One round of miniature golf typically costs $3-5 dollars per person. Group rates are available. Info: 325-672-2977 or click here.