Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the American West during Chisholm Trail Days: Longhorns & Legends, Aug. 15-16 at historic Old Abilene Town.
Held during America's 250th anniversary year, the two-day celebration features longhorns, Wild Bill Hickok, live entertainment and hands-on activities that celebrate Abilene's role as the end of the Chisholm Trail.
Saturday's event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes:
- Three Longhorn Parades through Old Abilene Town at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Wild Bill Hickok stories at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Wild Bill reenactments at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Live string band performances
- Can-can dancers
- Games, face painting and photo opportunities
- Food trucks throughout the day
At 1:30 p.m., visitors can watch the longhorns being loaded onto an Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad freight car, recreating how cattle were once loaded for shipment from the end of the Chisholm Trail.
"There's no better place to experience the story of the Chisholm Trail than the community where it ended," said Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Families can watch longhorns, learn about Wild Bill Hickok and explore the Kansas cowtown that helped shape the American West."