The annual Western Heritage Classic ranch rodeo competition will begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Taylor County Expo Center, with a trade show open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coliseum. The trade show will continue from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. May 10 and 11, with competitions, demonstrations and other activities each day, capping off with a cowboy church service at 9 a.m. May 12.

The Western Heritage Classic Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in downtown Abilene, starting on Pine Street at the Taylor County Courthouse. A street dance featuring Swing Machine will follow at North First and Cypress streets. Admission is free.

'The Searchers'

As part of the Paramount Film Series, "The Searchers," rated PG, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. May 10 and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Film historian Robert Holladay will give a lecture on the film at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students, seniors, military and children. For information, go to paramount-abilene.org.

ArtWalk

ArtWalk, a program of Center for Contemporary Arts, will take place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday in downtown Abilene. The theme will be "Forged: Metal Art." An embossed metal art crafting project will be available at the Abilene Public Library.

Scholarship banquet

The Abilene chapter of Texas Exes will conduct its scholarship banquet from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Casa Herrera, 4109 Ridgemont Drive. Dr.

Steve Enniss, director of the Harry Ransom Center, will be the guest speaker, and scholarship recipients will be introduced.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. For tickets or information, go to www.texasexes.org/chapter/abilene or call 325-691-5839.

Discovery Adventure Theater

As a part of Discovery Adventure Theater, a showing of "A Thief in the Night" will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Discovery Center, 810 Butternut St. Admission is free. For reservations or information, call 325-673-5050.

Free movies at the library

► "Smallfoot" will be presented at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. May 11 at the Mockingbird Lane branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane.

► "Galaxy Quest" will begin at 11 a.m. May 11 at the South Branch of the Abilene Public Library, in the Mall of Abilene. "Bumblebee" will follow at 2 p.m.

Horror art show

A "Hollywood Horror" art show will be open from 6-11 p.m. May 11 at Art Crush Studios, 1969 Industrial Blvd. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Admission is $2.

Spring piano recitals

Piano students of Kathie Goodrich will present spring piano recitals at 5 and 7:30 p.m. May 12 in the Amy Graves Ryan Recital Hall at McMurry University. An awards ceremony will follow. Admission is free.

And more ...

► A Christian Women’s Connection luncheon will begin at 11:15 a.m. Thursday at the Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd. Suzy Thompson will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $16. For reservations, or for information, call 325-370-6567.

► The Simply Summer Vendor Fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 11 at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Admission is free.