By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
ABILENE - Many upcoming events are happening in Abilene, KS before the month ends and here is a look at what will occur.
This Saturday, June 21st at 6:00 pm the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVRR) will take a trip to Enterprise, KS on the Limited train for a two-hour train ride. ASVRR encourages those wanting to participate to join them for home cooking that will include a choice of roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, or marinated baked chicken breast in white wine cream sauce and mashed potatoes. Both entrees come with a seasoned vegetable medley, dinner rolls, side salad and for dessert, a key lime pie square. Iced tea and water accompany your meal, prepared by Amanda Collins of Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro in Abilene.
The ride begins at Abilene’s Rock Island Depot and stops in Enterprise at the Hoffman Mill and Country Store. Tickets are $100.85.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: https://asvrr.org/event/dinner-train-summer-arrives-in-kansas/abilene-smoky-valley-railroad/
Running from June 20–29 at the Great Plains Theatre (215 N. Campbell St.) in Abilene, the musical 'Big Fish' takes center stage. According to Visit Abilene, this musical is expected to bring a 'a heartwarming, whimsical journey that’s part fairy tale, part family drama and magic.'
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, 'Big Fish' follows the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman known for spinning tall tales that dance somewhere between truth and myth. His stories complete with giants, witches and circus adventures have enchanted everyone around him, especially his devoted wife, Sandra. But when his grown son, Will sets out to discover the truth behind the legends, what unfolds is a deeply moving exploration of family, imagination and legacy.
'Big Fish' is expected to showcase 'stunning visuals, a heartfelt score and plenty of humor.'
Evening shows start at 7:30 pm; Matinees on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm, (House doors open 30 minutes prior).
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: https://abilenekansas.org/blog/2025/06/09/broadway-in-the-heartland-big-fish-swims-into-abilene
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene has announced the opening of a temporary exhibit dedicated to honoring the contributions of American veterans from varied backgrounds and experiences. "WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America" is now on display in the Museum Special Gallery located on 200 SE. 4th St. through December 2025.
According to the Museum, this showcase features '50 stunning large-scale watercolor portraits' by internationally acclaimed artist from Charleston, SC, Mary Whyte.
Among the featured "hidden heroes" are a Kansas welder, a Missouri dairy farmer, a Texas construction worker and a Pennsylvania science teacher. This exhibit is meant to celebrate the individual stories of its featured veterans, but also means to solidify the museum's original purpose and President Eisenhower's commitment to honoring the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans.
"This exhibit perfectly aligns with year's programming theme, 'Saluting our Veterans,' but also serves as a pivotal bridge toward the celebration of America's 250th birthday next year," says Eisenhower Library Director Todd Arrington. "We are thrilled to host this powerful exhibit that pays tribute to our nation's heroes and ignites curiosity and engagement in the rich tapestry of our American story."
Additional details for "WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America" can be found at www.patriotartfoundation.org/exhibition.php
To visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum website, go to: https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/
To find more events, go to Visit Abilene's website at: https://abilenekansas.org/events
For more information on events and news for the ASVRR, go to: https://asvrr.org/