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.