There is much to do and much to see in Abilene. Make sure you stay in town for an action-packed week of fun and to check out your own backyard!

Abilene will tee off to a great week as we host the 28th annual Dodge — Bob Estes American Junior Golf Association Tournament, which began Sunday and will end Thursday, at the Abilene Country Club Fairway Course. All are invited to come watch. For more information, call Guy Bailey at (325) 691-1000.

Have any guests in town this week? Take them to the Abilene Zoo’s Thursday night “Sunset Safari.” Sunset Safari allows you to enjoy your visit longer during the summertime with extended hours until 9 p.m.

This summer, the zoo is hosting the “Spots and Stripes Concert Series.” Counter Clockwise performs at the outdoor summer concert series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Call (325) 676-6085 for ticket information.

For a unique shopping experience, come to the Peddler Show — The Perfect Street of Shops at the Abilene Civic Center, Friday through Sunday. There will be gifts, jewelry and more. It will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (325) 676-6211.

Come to Movie in the Park, sponsored by Abilene’s Recreation Division and AEP Texas, at 9 p.m. Friday at the Rose Park Amphitheatre, 2601 S. 7th St. The featured movie is the “Bee Movie.” Bring snacks, blankets and chairs. Free to the public. In the event of inclement weather, Movie in the Park will be rescheduled for July 25. For more information, call (325) 734-5301.

Come downtown for an evening of live music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Monks Music Sessions continues with its second of four exciting summer concert sessions. Come in from the heat and enjoy and iced latte. Listen to the sounds of Sarah Jaffe and Sabra Land. Cost is $5 or $10 for all nights (July 19, July 26 and Aug. 22) For more information, call (325) 437-2984 or visit www.monksabilene.com.

Take a short drive to Buffalo Gap on Sunday. Step back in time at Buffalo Gap Historic Village, located at 133 N. William. It’s Military Appreciation Day from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, with free admission for all active and retired military personnel and their immediate families. The 2008 season for the Buffalo Gap Chips, the Historic Village’s 1880s Vintage “Base Ball” team, is in full swing. Catch the Chips practicing at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for ages 65 and above, $2 for students, free for children ages 5 and younger and free for all military and military dependents. Buffalo Gap offers great shopping and restaurants. For more information, call (325) 572-3365.

Parents, bring your children to a performance of “Goldifox and the Two Hares” by the Storybook Theatre at 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Abilene Public Library. Free to the public. For more information, call (325) 677-1161. Be sure to bring a smile!

Hey, fitness buffs! Get those bikes ready for the 2008 Tour De Gap tour and race July 26 in Buffalo Gap. Cost is $25 for preregistration and $30 for entry on the day of the event. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the ride. Rides start at 8 a.m. and routes close at 2 p.m. A family route is available.

The tour and race benefits the Food Bank of West Central Texas. For more information, call Dodie Wooldridge at (325) 677-BIKE.

If that’s not enough action for you, don’t forget that the Texas State 4-H Horse Show Annual State Finals will be at the Taylor County Expo Center July 20-26. For more information, call the Taylor County Expo Center at (325) 677- 4376.

For more information about Abilene’s attractions and events, visit www.abilenevisitors.com.

Shanna Smith is the Heritage Tourism and Special Projects Coordinator at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.