Good morning, Abilene.

The Junior League is hosting its 44th annual Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Convention Center, where vendors like Libby Poor serve kettle corn and festive treats—raising funds to help local women and children.

The event continues a long tradition of community support and holiday cheer.

Abilene ISD secured $10 million in new annual revenue after voters approved the VATRE, with $6.3 million coming from state funds and $3.7 million from local sources while the school tax rate drops from $0.99 to $0.95.

The district will use the money to close a nearly $13 million budget gap and fund key improvements—leaders plan to seek staff input on spending soon.

Wylie East Intermediate is hosting its first Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 11 — the parade will feature over 35 veterans, classic cars, a WASP flyover and local groups, and registration forms are available online for those wishing to participate.

Abilene ISD and the Abilene Education Foundation raised $4,500 in just over a week to help military families at Dyess Air Force Base during the government shutdown; about half of the funds came from campuses plus half from community donations, and Friends of Dyess Families will use the money to buy gift cards to ease food insecurity.

Texas marked a 25-year anniversary of its last day without road deaths—TxDOT is using education to end the streak and will boost safety efforts on roads.

Live2Lead Abilene

8:30 AM – 6:30 PM — 201 Mesquite Event Center — Registration Required — Experience powerful insights and networking opportunities to enhance your leadership skills.

The Nutcracker Ballet

8-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Cost Info Not Specified — Experience the magic of Abilene Ballet Theatre's holiday classic with a beloved tale of Clara and her Nutcracker.

22nd Annual Turkey Trot

8:00-9:59 a.m. — P.E. Shotwell Stadium — Proceeds benefit local charities — Kick off the holiday season with a community run for fitness and fun.

Celebration Singers Christmas Concert

7-8 p.m. — Boone Family Theatre — Suggested donation of $10 — Experience the joy of Christmas with choral performances from the Celebration Singers.

A Christmas Story Screening

2-3:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $7 for adults, $6 for students/seniors/military/children — Relive the hilarious holiday adventures of Ralphie Parker as he dreams of the perfect Christmas gift.