Smithville Jamboree

Jamboree got its beginning over 50 years ago a few civic minded community leaders joined together to form what is an outstanding civic organization. It started as a vision to plan a “Hometown Celebration” for the community of Smithville. In Jamboree’s early days, Jamboree was held on the streets of Downtown Smithville, today known as “Main Street”. There were food vendors, a soda booth, street dances, jelly and jam contest, bread making, watermelon booth, chicken booth and many other events. In the later years, Jamboree was moved to its current home of Riverbend Park. There have been many civic leaders who have been a part of this organization in the past such as Max Jones, chairperson in 1969. He was joined by other individuals such as Charles Ebner, Mr. and Mrs. George Mick, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Scheler, Karen and Allan Bell and many more. Tickets are $25 per person for your choice of a pottery soup bowl decorated by local school-age artists), all the delicious soup, stew or chili you want to sample, and family favorite cookies prepared by local bakers. The soups, stews and chili served showcase the talents of some of the Bastrop area’s best restaurants and caterers. It’s a “battle of the ladles” in which the chefs will be vying for “best” bragging rights. Celebrity judges will tag “bests” in each category, and attendees will vote their “fan favorite.” The event is produced by the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry in partnership with the Bastrop Independent School District, restaurants and caterers through the county as well as local artists and other silent auction donors, cookie makers, and sponsoring businesses and individuals.