Cooler temps bring breath of fresh air

Autumn has officially made its way to Smithville, Texas where it will most likely remain for no more than two weeks or so. The "we'll take what we can get" attitude has touched everyone who is grateful for the short reprieve from sweltering summer temps.

Despite the warm temps and humidity that accompanied this past weekend, there was still a great turnout at the Cure on the Colorado benefit on Saturday. The local M.D. Anderson research facility made some money to help support their incredible programs, and for that, we can be additionally grateful.

Looking forward, Smithville is bracing for the annual onslaught that is known as "City-Wide Garage Sale" this Saturday. There are many great things about this event including the fact that it's low-maintenance, our best source of advertising is word-of-mouth, and our businesses and vendors get a bump in sales but the best thing about it is that it brings in people from outside our area that drive the streets of Smithville and see the good thing we have going on.

Chic Beat a Fashionable Success

Thanks to all the wonderful shops that participated in the Chic Beat Fashion Show this past Saturday, including SACS, Mary Catherine's, Small Town Sass, Patricia Wolf, JK's Closet, La Boutique, and Rock N Threads. The gazebo area was filled to capacity and the response was extremely positive!

Thanks also to our lovely volunteer models, our emcee Troy Streuer, and our coordinator Hollie Supak.

Now that everyone knows where to shop for the latest trend in fall fashions, stay tuned for the upcoming spring fashion show in March 2011.

Back-to-School Smithville

All cylinders are firing to get the students ready to go back to school. Since Smithville ISD is now a "Recognized" district with four "Recognized" schools, we have some motivated students, teachers, and administrators ready to get to the next level!

No doubt our students will be dressed to impress. On Saturday, August 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Gazebo, the Smithville Music and Film Commission is sponsoring "Chic Beat - A fashion show that blends live music with the latest clothing trends". This runway show will highlight area fashion and jewelry designers and their latest creations that will be available for sale in local shops like Mary Catherine's, Sac's, JK's Closet, Small Town Sass, Patricia Wolf Designs, and Rock-N-Threads.

The first day of school is Monday, August 23 with "Meet the Tigers" happening at Barry Field that evening at 6:30 p.m. Come meet the cheerleaders, coaches, band members, and athletes that will be representing Smithville High School this year.

Preparing for Casino Night

It's almost here....Casino Night 2010! Thanks to all our generous donors who have not only supported us with sponsorships but also by contributing some wonderful silent auction items! We can't wait for the event this Saturday at the Smithville Recreation Center! We are again using Casino Connection for our equipment and dealers so that we can bring our attendees the closest experience to Vegas within the borders of Texas.

It's not too late to buy a ticket! They are still on sale at the pre-sale price of $25 each by calling the Chamber office at 512-237-2313. Come enjoy the Italian buffet, adult beverages, and gaming excitement.

Mixer this week at Sierra Self Storage

Join the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce for our monthly mixer this Thursday, July 15 from 5 to 7 pm. This month's host is Sierra Self-Storage at 727 Highway 71 W (next to La Cabana). We'll be cutting a ribbon for the addition of their climate-controlled buildings and their U-Haul moving services and supplies.

Join the Chamber for food, fun, and networking!

Join us for the latest Film 101 class

The July 2010 Smithville Music & Film Commission educational program will be of interest and benefit to all area residents interested in the rental of their property to, or donated use of their property by, film production companies. Whether for lodging, filming locations, or use of personal property such as vehicles, costumes, or animals, SM&FC urges owners to attend and learn the important details necessary to protect owner interests.
Once again to be hosted at 1st ACT! Academy, 301 Whitehead, the July seminar will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 11th.
The workshop will feature a discussion panel comprised of Sheila Tamble, Locations Manager for "Doonby" (which just wrapped in Smithville); Adena Lewis, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce President; Sallie Blalock, SM&FC member who provided lodging for "Doonby" cast members at Katy House Bed & Breakfast; and Mary Farrar, Owner of 1st ACT! Academy and Assistant Production Accountant for The Nobody Film Company which produced "Doonby".
An extensive Q&A session will be featured. Other topics that may be covered include extras casting, invoicing for goods and services, security, damages, etc. The panel will strive to respond to all inquiries which might arise.
Seating is limited. Please call 512-216-2645 and leave a message to express your interest in attending this valuable workshop. Light refreshments will be served.

Casino Night and Buffet tickets on sale!

The summer's hottest event is back on Saturday, July 24 at the Smithville Recreation Center. Join the Chamber at 7 pm for a delicious Italian buffet, adult beverages, and $10,000 worth of playing chips. Take your turn at games such as roulette, craps, poker, blakcjack, Texas Hold Em, and slot machines. At the end of the night, try your luck for one of our grand prizes including an overnight stay at the Hyatt Lost Pines or an overnight spa package at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana. Tickets are $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling 512-237-2313 or visiting our website at www.smithvilletx.org and visiting the Casino Night page. A Paypal link is available for online ticket purchases. Any tickets bought over the phone or internet will be available at check-in on the night of the event unless arrangements are made to pick them up from the Chamber office beforehand. Get your group together and make it a party at Casino Night!

Doonby says "Goodbye"

We bid farewell to the wonderful cast and crew of Doonby as they pack up and leave town to begin post-production. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Chamber Mixer Tonight!

We're smack-dab in the middle of spring and summer is following closely behind! That means it's time to make summer plans, like camping at Buescher State Park. The park rangers are offering a guided van tour and an old-fashioned hot dog cookout tonight to show off their facilities. Bring the family and come out to the Recreation Hall starting at 5 pm.

"Doonby" crashes Smithville!

The new feature-length film "Doonby" filmed a major crash scene along Loop 230 on May 6, creating quite a spectacle. Filming on the movie will continue for several more weeks.