FROM SLEEPOVERS TO SAFARIS, ABILENE HAS SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES! — There is much to do and see in Abilene! Make sure you stay in town for an action-packed week of fun and take an opportunity to check out your own backyard.

Abilene will tee off to a great week as we host the 29th annual Bob Estes Abilene Junior Golf Tournament, a part of the American Junior Golf Association Tour (AJGA). The Abilene tournament is one of the longest running AJGA events. Over the 29 years Abilene has hosted some big name players as juniors including Phil Mickelson and not to mention Abilene’s own Bob Estes. The tournament began Monday and will end Friday, at the Abilene Country Club Fairway Course. The public is invited to come out and watch. For more information, call Guy Bailey at (325) 338-5312.

Young artists, grades 2-12, will enjoy the “Paint Your Own Pottery” Day Camp, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Mine by Design, 4150 Southwest Drive, Suite 118. Children will make and paint an initialed animal print latte cup and saucer to take home. Lunch and drinks provided. Cost is $60. For more information, call (325) 698-7967 or visit www.minebydesignpyop.com.

Treat your friends and family to a “Sunset Safari,” Thursday at the Abilene Zoo. Sunset Safari allows you to enjoy your visit longer during the summertime with extended hours until 9 p.m. The Grace Museum has a place for your youngsters or young guests at their summer camp!

The Grace will be hosting “Girl’s Night at the Museum,” from 7 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday. The girls will experience the excitement of The Grace afterhours. Enjoy fun activities, a pizza party and more. The camp is for grades four through six. The cost is $45 members; $60 nonmembers. For more information, call (325) 673-4587.

Join the City of Abilene—Recreation Division for “Movie in the Park,” 9 p.m. Friday at the Rose Park Amphitheatre, 2601 S. 7th St. The featured movie is “Madagascar 2.” Bring your favorite snacks, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a night of fun with family and friends. Free. For more information, call (325) 734-5301.

Take a short drive to Buffalo Gap on Sunday. Step back in time at Buffalo Gap Historic Village, located at 133 N. William. It’s Military Appreciation Day from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The 2009 season for the Buffalo Gap Chips, the Historic Village’s 1880s Vintage “Base Ball” team, is in full swing. Catch the Chips’ Exhibition Game at 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission includes both the Historic Village and game. Free admission for all active and retired military personnel and their immediate families. For more information, call (325) 572-3365.

For information about all of Abilene’s events or attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com or call (325) 676-2556.


Shanna Smith is the Heritage Tourism & Special Projects Coordinator at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. Contact at shanna@abilene.com.