Bantam Fest 2024 to be held Saturday

Bantam Fest is almost here, and the Smiley Bantam Activity Group are excited to bring their annual festival to the Smiley Fire Department this Saturday, May 11.

Residents of Smiley, and all surrounding communities, are invited to this annual festival that will feature live music (provided this year by Park Sanchez & Wrangler Country).

Events are set to begin at noon when all booths open and contest signups are scheduled to occur. Earlier in the day the 9 a.m. barbecue cookoff entry deadline will be observed, as usual. For more information, call 830-857-4712.

Family friendly events including a cake walk (1 p.m.), kids games (2 p.m.), Exes Reunion (2 p.m.), DJ & karaoke events by Sonido Scorpion de Alfredo Venegas from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., with both adults and kids contests scheduled at 3:30 p.m. The all-time favorite cornhole tournament is set to begin at 4 p.m., with registration earlier in the day at 3 p.m. This friendly competition is open to all, with a $40 per team signup fee.

The exes reunion will be set up in an area for all ex-students to meet and socialize. Tea and cookies wil be available but bring your own chairs and BYOB. All ex-students who attended Smiley High School before it consolidated with Nixon in 1983 are invited to attend. The special reunion this year will honor the Class of 1979, the Class of 1974, the Class of 1969 and the Class of 1964.

Among the vendors who will be at Bantam Fest are Triple Bee’s, Lulu’s Closet, Sweet Chaos, Barbie The Crafty Broad, K-Rod The Crafty Broad, Price Body Products, Yesenia Robles, Grandma Likes Bling/Paparazzi, CK Designs, Tacos Mama Luz, Funnel Cakes-Amanda Garza and T n Y Sweet & Savory Creations.

The evening will continue, and conclude, for the adults with the much anticipated live music and dancing from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., offering all the opportunity to have a great evening. Again, the headliners for live music are Park Sanchez & Wrangler Country.

Mark your calendars, come out to meet new friends, and see old ones, while having an amazing day enjoying the fun day planned for everyone. #Keeponsmilin’ and follow Smiley Bantam Activity group on Facebook for more information.

Founded in 2012, Smiley Bantam Activity Group works to improve and provide safe activities for local youth with the help of members and volunteers in the Smiley, Texas community.