Pancakes, parachutes, and planes are just the beginning at the 28th Annual Abilene Fly-In & Pancake Feed. From aviation scholarships to skydiving adventures, discover how this beloved tradition brings people together, inspires future aviators, and highlights one of Dickinson County’s roadmarkable community assets.

Driving Dickinson County is launching two countywide holiday campaigns — Win What You Spend and the Merry & Bright Storefront Showdown — to encourage local shopping, support Dickinson County businesses and keep more holiday spending close to home. Both campaigns run Nov. 27–Dec. 24, 2026, and participation is open to eligible businesses across the county.

For Shelly Crane, real estate is about more than buying and selling property. It’s about helping clients understand the process, connecting them with the community and remaining a trusted resource long after closing.

One year into Natalie Muruato’s leadership, Driving Dickinson County is moving from plans to action through business support, housing, entrepreneurship, community engagement and new resources for Dickinson County.

Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy is back home in downtown Abilene after an eight-month displacement following a fire — just in time to celebrate 25 years in business. The pharmacy retained all eight employees throughout the disruption and continues serving patients across Dickinson County and the surrounding area.

La Isla Mexican Restaurant is growing in Herington with a new, larger location at 557 US Highway 77. Family-owned by Adan and Lorena Ramirez, the restaurant combines authentic Mexican favorites, colorful handcrafted décor, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

Sisters Hanna Nagely and Karina Harris turned a shared dream into R&K Boutique, a new Abilene business built around family, faith, and community. With a local storefront and online shop, the sisters are bringing apparel, accessories, children’s items, and a welcoming shopping experience to Dickinson County.

As data centers expand across Kansas, Dickinson County could face important decisions about the opportunities and challenges they bring. Driving Dickinson County examines the economic potential, infrastructure considerations, community impacts, and guardrails that can help ensure future development supports long-term local prosperity.

Dickinson County is investing $30,000 in local America 250 celebrations through a new community grant program supporting events, public art, historical projects, beautification efforts, and other initiatives across the county.

More than 200 community leaders, business owners and residents gathered for Driving Dickinson County’s sold-out 2026 Annual Gala & Best of the Best Awards. The evening celebrated 76 nominees across 11 categories while recognizing the businesses, individuals and organizations helping move Dickinson County forward.

Driving Dickinson County has unveiled a refreshed visual identity designed to reflect the organization’s momentum and direction. From the road and upward arrow to the people represented within the mark, the new brand symbolizes collaboration, growth and a shared commitment to moving Dickinson County forward.

Investors, partners and community stakeholders each play an important role in Dickinson County’s growth. Learn how these three pillars work together to fuel investment, strengthen business connections and build a foundation for long-term economic success.

DKEDC welcomes Jackie Hynes as its new Events and Marketing Director. With a background in strategic marketing, brand development and nonprofit work, Jackie will help strengthen connections, elevate local businesses and share the story of Dickinson County.

DKEDC announces the 2025 Annual Awards Gala, celebrating the businesses, entrepreneurs, employees and community leaders who helped Dickinson County thrive. Nominations open December 1, with the awards ceremony set for February 21, 2026.