SMITHVILLE FLATS – Smithville residents are in for a fun-filled day this Saturday as the town holds its annual Smithville Day celebration.
“It’s just a good old town special event,” said David Coleman, who co-chairs the event with fellow Smithville resident BarbaraAnn Whitmore. He encourages people to come out and meet their neighbors and participate in the full slate of activities he and his fellow committee members have planned.
“It’s getting larger every year,” said Coleman, who says he has been involved with the annual event for the last 25 years.
According to Whitmore, the event will kick off with the sixth annual Smithville Day 5 K run. Registration will take place from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. at the Fire House. The run itself will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Center. Last year 132 runners participated in the race, which raises money for the Genegantslet Fire Company’s building fund.
Other events will take place throughout the day at the Community Center, Eagle Scout Park, the Post Office, the Fire Station and the Smithville Presbyterian Church. Activities will include a tractor pull, craft and flea market, children’s games, quilt show and antique car cruise-in. Little league and men’s softball games will take place throughout the afternoon, weather permitting. The Smithville Historical Society will also hold a plant sale and white elephant sale from their new location at the old gas station on Route 41.
In addition, raffles will be conducted throughout the day to help cover the event’s operating expenses. Prizes include a Jeff Gordon picture and two wooden shadows. Drawings will take place at 3 p.m.
Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Smithville Presbyterian Church.
“You’ve got to have the strawberry shortcake,” said Coleman. He also recommends the fire house’s chicken barbecue, made following “Fire Chief Bob’s” secret recipe, which starts at noon.
