“All trails lead to Abilene and end at the 37th annual Chisholm Trail Festival, on Saturday, Oct. 3.”
That’s Jeff Sheet’s official announcement and cordial welcome to the Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 South Campbell in Abilene, for festivities beginning at 10 o’clock, and continuing through 4 o’clock and will continue till 4 pm.
“The Dickinson County Historical Society invites you to bring your family and friends to enjoy the heritage of our county,” invited director Sheets.
Registration for the antique tractor show featuring Ford and Fordson tractors starts at 8 o’clock, with tractor games beginning at 10, and a Parade of Power at 1 p.m.
“Along with the antique tractors, there will be an Antiques and Classic Car show,” Sheets pointed out.
Arts and craft booths and food vendors are to be on the grounds at the center, which has a full slate of activities scheduled throughout the day. Live entertainment on the main stage in front of the museum will feature the Classic Heart Band, the Serenity Stringband, and Zerf.
“The History Stage will feature Marc Ferguson portraying Doc Holiday, and Randy Schumock singing county and western songs,” Sheets said.
Living history demonstrations are to include blacksmithing, wheat weaving, wood carving, bread baking, chair caning, soap making, molasses cooking, spinning, weaving, and apple cider pressing. “The saw mill will also be operating throughout the day,” noted Sheets.
The Day Care Providers of Dickinson County plan art projects for the kids. Children from age four to 10 are invited to participate in the pedal tractor pull, with registration at 2 o’clock, and competition starting at 2:30. “Perhaps key to all of the young people’s activities is that Kasey and Timbo the clowns will there to assist in every way,” Sheets credited.
Always an important part of festivities will be opportunity for kids-of-all-ages to take a ride on the National Historic Landmark 1901 C.W. Park Carousel. “This merry-go-round will be powered by its original steam engine, and music is provided by a 1903 Wurlitzer band organ,” Sheets informed.
“While attending the festival, make sure you go inside the heritage center and look at the exhibits,” Sheets insisted.
“During the day, there will be a table set up to collect the publics’ memories of Brown’s Park. We would like to collect all stories about the park. It could be prior to the 1951 flood, or as recent as this year. Tell us about a family outing, attending a camp or just taking a pleasant drive through the park. We want to preserve this heritage,” Sheets declared.
Information about the 37th annual Chisholm Trail Festival, Saturday, Oct. 3, in Abilene is available at. www.heritagecenterdk.com, by calling 785-263-2681 or on Facebook at Dickinson County Heritage Center.
