Good morning, Abilene.

Mama Bear Hair Care will host its second annual back-to-school event on Aug.

8 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Mall of Abilene, where families can get backpacks, school supplies and hair services alongside fun activities (volunteer stylists, face painting and selfie booths) to ease back-to-school stress.

Abilene residents will enjoy a cultural celebration at Passport to the Pacific open-air market on Saturday, July 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Cotton Warehouse — the free event hosted by The Salvation Army and Beyond Trafficking features Pacific-inspired food, live entertainment, arts, crafts, and local vendors.

Schools in the Big Country and Concho Valley are getting ready for the new school year with back-to-school events for families.

Wylie West Junior High holds a come-and-go event on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Buffalo Gap Elementary invites families to meet teachers on Aug. 17.

The Boys & Girls Club hosted a construction camp today with DPR Construction, giving local kids hands-on practice in building skills and teamwork to inspire future trade careers.

Abilene officials confirmed that longtime public works employee Frank Cortez died while working on Tuesday, July 21, and the city extended heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

Abilene residents are invited to help select a new name for the Sears Recreation Center by emailing support for one of four proposals that meet city naming rules.

The center is in Arthur Sears Park at 2250 Ambler Ave — final approval comes from the Parks and Recreation Board.

On Tuesday, July 22 at 10:48 a.m., Abilene Public Works Department veteran Frank Cortez died while on duty after 30 years of service; no cause was given out of respect for his family.

Residents can support the blood supply by donating at the 15th Annual Rodney Holder Memorial 'Guns and Hoses' Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29—at the Hendrick Regional Blood Center on Pine St and the Police Department Media Room on First St—where law enforcement and firefighters compete.

Abilene Kulture Con 2026

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — Free for 18 and under — Experience a vibrant fusion of business, art, and culture with live entertainment and more.