By Colter Hettich, Features Editor

Those who can find nothing to do in Abilene should mark Nov. 8 on their calendars. Downtown Dayz, the Abilene Downtown Association’s monthly event, gives downtown businesses the chance to spotlight their fare. The event has occurred on the second Saturday of each month since June 2008.

Glen Dromgoole, co-owner of Texas Star Trading Company and Abilene Downtown Association member, said Downtown Dayz differs from ArtWalk. Instead of focusing solely on the arts, the day is designed to show visitors a side of Downtown Abilene they might not know. In addition to window-hopping, visitors have the chance to hear a first-hand account of how Downtown Abilene has changed over time.

“Bill Minter gives historic walking tours of the area,” Dromgoole said. “He knows a lot of Abilene history just because he has lived it.”

Texas author Bill Neal also will be in town Saturday. Neal will sign copies of his latest book From Guns to Gavels: How Justice Grew Up in the Outlaw West for readers.

The Downtown Association planned for the annual Veteran’s Day parade to coincide with the event, but ironically the parade was rescheduled out of concern for Saturday’s previously planned activities.

“They thought it would conflict with Downtown Dayz, but we actually wanted it,” Dromgoole said.

The day’s events include a free oil painting workshop, a performance by student pianists in the Grace Museum and a Segway demonstration.

Jamie Shelburne, visitor services and ArtWalk coordinator, said she has noticed a significant increase in foot traffic in the last six months. She could not directly attribute Downtown Dayz for the rise but said it certainly is not hurting.

“Everybody I’ve talked to really enjoys being here,” Shelburne said. “Our crowds are well above average [during Downtown Dayz].”

Kaylynn Nossaman has worked at McKay’s Bakery for six months and said the event helps more than business.

“It’s nice for people to get the opportunity to see a downtown bakery … but it also helps build a sense of Abilene community,” Nossaman said.