This weekend in Abilene (and close by): Gala, live music and two activities at the state park

Staff reports

Here are few ideas for something to do in Abilene this weekend.

Making art is E.A.S.Y.

Artists use an easel, thus the name for a program for young artists.

"E.A.S.L.," or Every Artist Starts Little, is scheduled for Friday at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St.

It will go from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is designed for toddler types (5 and younger). There will be a book reading, followed by a fine art project.

This is a free event.

BBQ and speaker event

Seth Keshel will speak Friday evening at the "Break Out the Red, White & Blue" barbecue at Barn 89, 1810 FM 89.

The event is being organized by Abilene Republican Women.

It begins at 5:30 with praise and worship, with dinner at 6. Keshel, who speaks to voting security, will speak later.

Doors open at 5.

Trafficking event

Dallas Jenkins, the creator, director and co-writer of "The Chosen," the hugely popular series about Christ and his teaching, is the guest speaker for Saturday's "A Blue Tie Affair" to benefit Beyond Trafficking efforts.

The event begins at 6:15 p.m. and also features speaker Karla Soloman, who is involved in anti-trafficking efforts, and Christian worship artist and performance speed painter Vanessa Horabuena.

Call 325-864-5418 for informatin.

"The Chosen" was the topic of discussion at luncheon in November 2021 at Abilene Christian University. Dallas Jenkins, the show's creator, will speak Saturday in Abilene.

Birds of prey, coffee at the state park

Two events are planned at Abilene State Park, which is south of Buffalo Gap on FM 89.

  • "Raving About Raptors" will be from 1-2 p.m. Saturday. The focus is on Texas birds of prey, such as eagles, owls and hawks.
  • "Coffee with a Ranger" will from from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday at the park. Ranger Kate will be at a campfire to answer questions about the park, its history and its wildlife.

Cost for both events if $5, which is general park admission.

Big Day of Minis at the library

The first "Big Day of Minis" is planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Abilene Public Library.

The focus is hobbies and the community those create. Entry-level demonstrations, games and hands-on time are schedule. It's a free event.

More:'Big Day of Minis' planned later in January at the library

Live on local stages

FRIDAY

  • Tredwater, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
  • Jackson Hatch, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.

SATURDAY

  • Matt Stapp, Betty Rose's Little Brisket, 3934 Catclaw Dr.
  • Lively, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
  • Caleb Sutton, Lytle Land & Cattle, 1150 ES 11th St.
  • Della Rose, The Ice House, 173 Walnut
  • Chris Lackey, Mulligans, 1166 Ben Richey Dr.