Abilene Through My Eyes After 47 Years of Texas Love

This is why I am madly in love with my hometown of Abilene, Texas. Even after 47 years of being on the air, I am more in love with the Key City than ever before.

Get our free mobile app

Abilene's Beginning: More Than Just a Railroad Stop

Back in 1881, a little spark ignited what we now proudly call Abilene. The Texas & Pacific Railway laid the tracks, but it was the heart of the people — ranchers, farmers, dreamers, that built the foundation. Abilene was named after another railroad town in Kansas, but trust me, there's nothing quite like our West Texas spirit.

I know, because for over 47 years, I’ve been blessed to be behind the mic, watching it all unfold, and sharing it with you.

These Landmarks Aren’t Just Historic, They’re Personal

Paramount Theatre
I’ve stood on that stage, mic in hand, broadcasting live during some of our biggest local events. The Paramount is living proof that Abilene knows how to preserve beauty, charm, and community all in one.

The Grace Museum
Art, history, and a strong sense of community all in one historic downtown building. I’ve covered it for years and even helped raise funds to keep the doors open. This isn’t just a museum, it’s a tribute to how far Abilene has come.

Frontier Texas!
I’ve hosted more fundraisers here than I can count. One of the most immersive and unforgettable museums in the Lone Star State, Frontier Texas. brings the Wild West to life with holograms, history, and heart. If you’ve never been, make it happen — it’s like stepping into a campfire story you’ll never forget.

Read More: Step Back In Time For Abilene's Wild West Texas Shootout

Abilene State Park
It is one of my favorite places to breathe deeply and reflect. I’ve camped there, laughed there, and even helped promote clean-up and improvement efforts with scouts and civic groups.

The Abilene Zoo
From live “Zoo-Thons” to fundraising drives to buy animal enrichment tools, I’ve seen kids light up like Christmas trees while meeting animals face-to-face. I’ve been part of that magic for decades, and I still love walking those trails.

The Storybook Capital of America, and Rightfully So

If you’ve ever wandered downtown Abilene, you’ve seen the whimsical storybook statues. We’re the Storybook Capital of America, and we're proud of it. That designation didn’t just fall in our lap. It came from years of dedication to children’s literacy, imagination, and heart.

The Children's Art and Literacy Festival (aka, the CALF) is a personal favorite of mine, and I’ve helped get the word out on air every year. This event brings storybooks to life, and if you’ve ever walked through the sculptures, you know what I mean. It’s like magic on every corner.

Why I Keep Broadcasting, and Why I Always Will

I’m Rudy "Fearless Fernandez" and I’ve been on the radio for 45 years. I’ve broadcasted from nearly every corner of this beautiful city, and I’ve watched Abilene grow into something special. I’ve done it for the people, for you, because I believe in our town.

Every time I hear a child laugh at the zoo, see a family walking through Frontier Texas, or watch the lights go down in the Paramount, I know, this is why we do it.

I love this city. I love its people. And I’ll keep telling its stories as long as the mic’s on and you will let me.

One Final Thought

Abilene isn’t just my hometown. It’s my heart. And if you’re reading this, thank you for letting me share it with you, not just in this article, but every day I get to be on the air.

Let’s keep making Abilene extraordinary.