MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas State is preparing to begin celebrating 150 years as the nation's first operational land-grant university under the Morrill Act.

A sesquicentennial kickoff event will begin at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at Ahearn Field House. It will include music from university groups and displays about the university's history.

The Call Hall dairy bar is mixing up a special ice cream treat named "Wildcat Birthday 150." The cake batter-based ice cream includes chunks of birthday cake, topped with royal purple sprinkles.

Also on Feb. 14, an opening is planned from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art for an exhibition that will feature university artifacts. Called the "Museum of Wonder," the display will run until Oct. 13.

Kansas State was founded on Feb. 16, 1863.