I was kept busy this past weekend. In addition to the monthly First Saturday Arts Festival in Smithville, December’s first Saturday also means Festival of Lights. It’s an all day affair, beginning early with a 5K run. You’ll never see a photo of the run in this column. Did I mention that it’s early?

The arts and crafts fair stretched from the Gazebo down gingerbread-lined Main Street. Gingerbread cookies were in abundance; there was lots of music, tricycle races, food and more.

The highlight of the day, for me, came as a big surprise. April and John Daniels began Playhouse Smithville in a former restaurant on Main Street last spring. Saturday’s performance was the first I’ve been able to attend and, I confess, I went only because my granddaughter, Bonnie, had a part in it. “Frosty vs. Abominable” was written by John and intended to appeal to all ages, so we took our three youngest grandchildren. I expected to be entertained and to enjoy the production much like I enjoy seeing my kids in their elementary school plays and musicals.

What a surprise it was to find myself laughing, singing along and anticipating the next one-liner!  This is a show that really did appeal to all ages thanks to John’s talent for imagining a good story and for writing good dialog.

We were impressed with the talent of the youngsters. Many of them (especially Bonnie Watts!) delivered their lines, sang their songs and danced better than many pros I’ve seen. You’ll be able to catch the show the next two weekends; I guarantee that Frosty and his siblings, Abby, the Abominable, Bob, the Joisey Goils, Ima Writer and many more distinct characters will leave you with a smile.

When the sun went down we gathered on Main Street, as we usually do, to watch the lighted parade. Most of us have seen our hometown parade in the film, “Hope Floats.” This year, I got to see it being filmed for “Beneath the Darkness.” It was interesting to see our Smithville Tiger Band march about 30 yards, back up and do it again, and again, and again as the cameras rolled. Our oldest granddaughter, Meghan, is a senior, so this was her last time to play her trumpet and march in the Festival of Lights parade. Nice of Dennis Quaid to make this movie in her honor, don’t you think?  Can’t wait for it to come out.

Smithville Galleries Are One of a Kind

In Smithville you’ll find one of a kind works of art and gifts at the LPAA gallery, 301 Burleson. At this time of year, you’ll find many items, which are suitable for gifts and priced at under $100.

Chel’s Gallery, on the corner of Olive and Loop 150 (behind Deli Stop) is open Friday through Sunday. Again, wonderful one of a kind items are available at low to moderate prices. Don’t forget my own gallery. Call me at 577-5252 for opening times.

Bastrop Art Galleries Open Late

Friday was yet again a fun evening in Bastrop with all the galleries being open late and serving refreshments. Jo Castillo hosted several visiting artists in her gallery.  The Bastrop Fine Arts Guild had standing room only for the annual “Everything Under a Hundred” holiday show. Both are at 1009 Main St.

Across the street at the R.A. Green Mercantile (1022 Main), guest jewelry artists had been invited to share their talents and the lobby was glittering with one of a kind, hand-made works of art to wear. Deborah Johnston opened her new gallery in the Bridges Building on Main. She’s new on the art scene in Bastrop and I was really impressed with her paintings.

Help keep our businesses and community alive by shopping local. You’ll be surprised at what’s available right here in your own back yard. Save time and money by not making that long trip to the big city to purchase gifts that are manufactured out of town, out of state and in most cases, out of our country!