Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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A group of Smithville community leaders began Jamboree in the 1960s as an annual hometown celebration. Residents gathered downtown for street dances, jam contests, and food vendors. Now held at Riverbend Park, the tradition evolved to include a livestock show, live music, and the coronation of a Jamboree Queen.

This silent home movie captures a parade down Main Street during the 1968 Jamboree, featuring a performance by the Smithville High School marching band and an appearance by Congressman J.J. Pickle.

Watch the full video at: tinyurl.com/2ayyrhdk
Explore the web exhibit, Festival Season, at: bit.ly/4pUGtjE
Contributed to the Texas Moving Image Archive Program by Donna and Harold Wessels.

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