The Chamber of Commerce and the city of Smithville hosted Eco Fest this past weekend. This event included a Half-K run — the “run for the rest of us” which began at the Smithville Public Library and ended at City Hall with winners receiving medals from Smithville Mayor Scott Saunders. The many vendors enjoyed a healthy crowd and the speakers educated the group on sustainable living and responsible recycling. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event on a chilly Saturday.
The chamber hosted an Outdoor Tourism Roundtable this past weekend in conjunction with Eco Fest. The standing-room only crowd included outdoor tourism venue owners, nonprofit leaders and county officials who participated in lively discussions about outdoor and eco-friendly tourism. Many thanks to Katie Coyne of Asakura-Robinson for facilitating this discussion.
The chamber hosted the ribbon-cutting for the newly opened Micklethwait’s Market & Grocery, 114 NE Second St. This newest addition to our Central Business District features delicious barbecue and a retail store/grocery. Current hours are 10:30 a.m. until sold out Thursdays-Sundays.
Chamber Mixer: Be sure to mark your calendars for the chamber’s February Mixer at Golden Girl’s Boutique, 114 Main St., co-sponsored by Golden Girls and J&M Golf Cart Rentals on Feb. 21. We will also host a ribbon-cutting for J&M Golf Cart Rentals during the mixer at 6 p.m.
The chamber’s annual Awards Banquet is just around the corner. From 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Smithville Recreation Center, we will host our 96th annual banquet. Delicious meal catered by Jon Chabot “The Caterer,” a fantastic musical “display” celebrating this year’s theme of “Smithville, Smithville.” A fun time is sure to be had by all. Many thanks to this year’s title sponsor Farmers Insurance, Scott Saunders agent. Call 512-237-2313 for tickets or for information on how to sponsor or visit smithvilletx.org.
Smithville map: The Smithville city street map was a huge success last year. As we reprint these maps, we will include designated areas — hospital, historic district, central business district, schools, municipal buildings, points of interest. Information at bit.ly/2DaXOzp or call the chamber at 512-237-2313.
Mark your calendar:
• Coffee Chat with Mayor Saunders as guest speaker: 7:30 a.m. Feb. 13, Olde World Bakery, 112 Main St. All are invited to attend.
• Chamber February Mixer: 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Golden Girls, 114 Main St. Co-sponsored by Golden Girls Boutique/J&M Gold Cart Rentals – includes ribbon-cutting for J&M.
• 96th annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 23, Smithville Recreation & Event Center. Cocktail attire. Tickets at smithvilletx.org.
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Larry’s Barber Shop as well as Jamie’s Home Help, a residential and commercial janitorial service. At 600 NE Loop 230, Smithville; barbecue and beverages will be served.
Member updates:
From City Manager Robert Tamble: With less than a month to go, Smithville is still leading the competition in the “extra small” community category — population less than 5,000 — for the “It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.” Dripping Springs and Liberty Hill are currently in second and third place behind Smithville. Each year, H-E-B sponsors the free, statewide competition in which Texas communities compete to see which communities can demonstrate the greatest commitment to healthy living. The winning community in each size category will receive an $1,800 community grant to put toward future health-related efforts, along with a trophy, school district banner and governor’s certificate. About 300 community members from Smithville have registered to participate. Thanks to all who are participating in this competition. If you have not yet registered, there is still time to participate. Go to ittcommunitychallenge.com to register and join the challenge.
The Knights of Columbus say mark your calendars for 2019. Fish fry & drive-thru on March 8 just $10 per plate. There will also be in-house dining and a yearly raffle drawing will be held that evening, door prizes and beverages as well. Contact Mark Bunte for information at 512-718-3189.
The Bastrop Opera House presents: “Expressions of African American Culture through Music, Dance and Spoken Word,” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 17. This event is a salute to African-American History month featuring the culture, poetry, music, history and experiences of African-Americans in the U.S. Through songs, poems, spoken word and dance you will be exposed to the rich heritage that is the African-American experience. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors/veterans/military and $5 for students and ages 14 and younger. The opera house is located at 711 Spring St., Bastrop. Bastropoperahouse.com.
Join the Cistern Bar & Grill for live music and more. 8 p.m. Feb. 15, DJ Superman, karaoke and dancing, country, rock, hip-hop; 9 p.m. Feb. 16, Nathan Colt Young, live music and dancing, all country. Cistern’s Country Store & Bar, 12604 state Highway 95. Phone number is 512-739-7840.
Playhouse Smithville presents “Jack and the Beanstalk,” the classic tale of Jack, the giant, a big sack of beans, a funny cow and a happy ending. Join them for this wonderful children’s tale. Runs March 1-10; tickets at playhousesmithville.com or 512-360-7397.
Chamber members: Send your e-blast information to the chamber by 10 a.m. Mondays each week.