The annual holiday reception and band concert will be held at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum on Sunday, Dec. 5. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium and includes a performance by the Abilene Municipal Band.

The program will begin with a brief Quilts of Valor presentation to veterans from nearby VA hospitals. Nearly 300 quilts were collected as part of this national Quilts of Valor challenge. All the quilts were on display during November and will now be distributed to wounded service members in gratitude for their service to our country.

Refreshments will be served following the Abilene Municipal Band performance. Reservations are appreciated as seating is limited for this popular annual event. RSVPs can be made on Facebook or by calling 785.263.6700.

“Visiting Abilene and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum should become a new holiday tradition for families,” says Karl Weissenbach, Director. “We are keeping the museum open later and offering free admission as a way of saying thank you to the community and encouraging visitors to spend some time on the grounds and see the decorations.”

The museum will be offering free admission all day and remain open until 6 p.m. Holiday decorations and lights will dress up the grounds and buildings supplementing the weekend of holiday magic in Abilene.

“Abilene is the place to be in December. The first weekend offers something for all ages—shopping, homes tours, craft show, music, and Santa,” states Glenda Purkis, director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Throughout the month there are great opportunities for dining, music and even professional theatre.” For more information on additional holiday activities during the weekend, please visit the CVB web site at www.abilenekansas.org.

By Samantha Kenner, Communications Director – Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum