In its 13 th year the Western Heritage Parade is the official kick-off event to celebrate western heritage and the cowboy lifestyle. The parade offers an exciting array of wagons, riding clubs, antique cars, bands and floats all exemplifying the western theme. Immediately following the parade streets are blocked off in Abilene's Downtown Historic District for a western street dance.
All ages enjoy boot scootin' under the stars and open skies of West Texas.
The Friday night Rhinestone Round-Up provides a touch of glitz and glamour to the Western Heritage Classic unequaled by any other event in the state. As a charity event benefiting the Community Foundation of Abilene and the Expo Center of Taylor County, the Rhinestone Round Up serves up fine food, exciting entertainment, exclusive shopping opportunities, reserved seating at the Friday night Ranch Rodeo and romantic dancing under the stars until midnight. Reservations are limited. The Friday night premiere party is set in the recently completed Dispay Building on the Expo Center grounds. Following tradition, the event offers valet parking via surrey rides.