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!
The cookie sheet that was used to create the World's Largest Gingerbread Man in 2006 is now a permanent monument.
Where is Smithville?
Smithville is located about 50 miles SE of Austin, Texas and consists of 3,800 of the kindest folks you'd ever want to meet.
We're also home to the Guinness World Record Gingerbread Man, created at our annual Festival of Lights celebration in 2006.
A lot of folks know us as the location for the 1998 movie "Hope Floats" starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick, Jr. and for the Brad Pitt/Sean Penn motion picture "The Tree of Life", awarded the prestigious Palm d'Or in Cannes, France. Smithville was named the first Film Friendly Town in Texas by the Texas Film Commission for our "can do" attitude.
On a more local level, we can brag about having the only airport in Bastrop County, plus the only community recreation center and outdoor skate park in the county. Beautiful Buescher State Park is home to the "lost pines" as well as picturesque bluffs and winding roads. Tucked away among the lost pines sits the world-class MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, which also contributes to the education of our public school students in Smithville ISD.
Also hidden among the rolling hills is a highly-rated biking facility, frequently used for competition and training by some of the world's best bicyclists.
Main Street is flanked by the Colorado River on the north end, and the gazebo, Railroad Museum and Park, and Bark Park for dogs on the south end. There's also our Veteran's Memorial Park and Splash Pad - here's one you won't want to miss.
If you're a workaholic, don't worry...our Main Street area is chock full of free Wi-Fi Hotspots!
So, bring your kayak and glide down the Colorado River or try some fly fishing, fly your plane into Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport (84R), cruise your Harley into town for our annual Thunder on the Colorado Biker Rally, or ride your bike on the rolling hills.
Whatever you do, don't leave town before dining at one of our fine eateries, shopping our historical district, or taking your photo in front of the life-sized monument to our Guinness World Record gingerbread man.
Not to mention the area attractions in Bastrop County and nearby Austin, TX. You need to stay the night to get it all done.
We've got the bed for you. See you in Smithville, Texas!
Oh the fun possibilities in Smithville Texas!
Our calendar is full in Smithville!
Awards Banquet - February The year begins with our annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet on the fourth Saturday of February, which honors our Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, and Citizen of the Year, just to name a few.
Thunder on the Colorado Biker Rally - March Next up, Thunder on the Colorado roars into Riverbend Park as bikers from across the state and country convene for this fun-filled three-day event featuring live music, games and contests, swap meet, fun rides, juried bike show, vendor activities, tent camping, and more! Check it out in March.
Smithville Jamboree - floating date after Easter
Smithville Jamboree takes us back to our roots on the weekend after Easter. This homecoming event has been a staple in Smithville for over 50 years and features a carnival midway, live music, downtown parade, arts & crafts show, livestock show, and sports competitions and tournaments.
Airport Fly-In and Lunch Flying object overhead on the second Saturday in May can only mean one thing in Smithville.... the annual Smithville Airport Fly-In and Lunch. Join the City of Smithville, the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of 84R and our generous sponsors for this annual open house at the only airport in Bastrop County. Find Friends of 84R on Facebook.
Casino Night & Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament - July
The fourth Saturday in July is sizzling inside the Smithville Recreation Center with the Chamber of Commerce's annual Casino Night. This Vegas-style floor includes all the favorites such as roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold Em, slot machines, and poker. Admission includes a free trip through the buffet, adult beverages, $10,000 worth of playing chips, and live entertainment. Redeem winnings at night's end for great prizes from our local merchants or compete for the grand prize.
City-wide Garage Sale - October The first Saturday in October, Smithville welcomes bargain hunters from near and far for the annual City-Wide Garage Sale. Free maps to participating sites are available at the Chamber of Commerce office the Friday prior and Saturday morning at 7:30 am.
Texas Photo Festival - October Let your inner photographer snap! Shutters will be clicking and flashes will be illuminating historic buildings along Main Street Smithville during the annual Texas Photo Festival. The entire downtown area is transformed into various vignettes complete with models diverse in age and appearance that make up the canvas of Smithville. Photo courses taught by respected professionals. Models may compete in the popular Model Contest. Submit your best shots for our photo contests at the end of the day! Find us on Facebook.
Festival of Lights & Lighted Parade - December Festival of Lights is an annual small-town celebration that kicks off the holiday season with fun and merriment with attractions such as Kids Fest, train rides on the Ann Powell Express, photos with Santa, games, races, and contests, food vendors, live music, and a indoor and outdoor Holiday Market. Once the daytime activities wrap up, the gazebo lighting ceremony commences followed by the nighttime lighted parade.
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