Annual Events
Chamber Banquet
February
The Chamber of Commerce Banquet is set for February. This celebration of Seymour and its citizens is sponsored by the Seymour Chamber of Commerce as a “Thank-you” to its members and citizens of Seymour who provide such a generous support each year. This event is a greatly anticipated annual evening full of fun, great food, special recognition, and wonderful entertainment. As each year before, The Chamber will honor the Chamber’s “Business of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year”.
Old Settler’s Reunion & Rodeo
3rd week of July
Seymour became the meeting point for cowmen from all over the western part of Texas. In 1896, an event was held in Seymour which was the first of its kind. It was called a “Cowboy Reunion” and was so popular that it became a tradition and is still held each year in July. There is no known record of any Cowboy Reunion held earlier than the one Seymour had in July of 1896.
A retired cowboy, Jeff Scott, had the idea of a reunion for cowboys. The idea caught the attention of the townspeople, and in July 1896, a 3 day reunion was held. Rodeo style events were held, along with a barbecue, baseball games, and a Grand Ball. Hundreds of people attended and it was so successful, it was decided to have another Reunion the following year.
The Reunion of 1897 was even more successful than the first. The main event of the second reunion was the attendance of Chief Quanah Parker and some 300 Native Americans. One night they staged an “Indian War Dance”, dressed in full battle regalia, dancing around a bonfire.
The Cowboy Reunion became an annual event and is held the second weekend in July each year. It is now known as the “Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo”.
Cruisin’ the Brazos
2nd weekend in October
This October event is a celebration of the Fall Season and classic cars. It is held the 2nd Saturday of October. It is staged in our downtown area around the Baylor County Courthouse and esplanades. Streets are blocked off and fun takes priority over traffic. Many divisions bring cars from all over. One of the favorite events of the day is the “Burn-out” contest. “Tires on Fire” is one of the trophy divisions. A night cruise is enjoyed by all, especially the 18 Wheeler Truck division. The streets are filled with vendors offering Arts & Crafts, novelties, foods of all descriptions, games, displays, and so much more. All are surrounded by the delicious aroma of barbecue cooked on the grills and chili from the cook-off.
The Mistletoe Market Tour
1st Thursday in December
The Chamber’s Mistletoe Market Tour opens the Christmas season for citizens of Seymour. On the 1st Thursday of each December, the businesses stay open late for citizens who want to “Shop til they drop!”. The businesses encourage the locals to “Shop in Seymour, First!” by decorating their store fronts, serving Christmas snacks, offering great discounts and door prize drawings.
Lighted Christmas Parade & Santa
2nd Thursday in December
The Second Thursday of December is the annual Chamber of Commerce Lighted Christmas Parade to officially welcome the holiday season. And, most importantly, it heralds the arrival in Seymour of jolly ole St. Nick and Mrs. Claus high atop fire trucks provided by the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department.
Various businesses, clubs and organizations decorate themed and lighted floats and entries in the competition and move through downtown along Washington Street to delight the judges, locals and our many visitors.
At the conclusion of the Parade, Mr. & Mrs. Claus receive Christmas lists and wishes from hoards of children in the comfort of the Baylor County Free Library.
A. Seymour’s Favorite Firetruck, Ol Granny! She lights up on Christmas just like those young whippersnappers.
B. Christmas Parade…..this was the 1st place winner….Girl Scout troups of Seymour.
C. Grand Marshall Santa and Mrs Clause riding the Fire Truck.
D. The Seymour High School Football Pathers just want the State Championship for Christmas…
E. The Seymour High School Band performs during the Firemen’s Hamburger Feed.
F. The Volunteer Firemen cooking for the annual Hamburger Feed that raises money for their Christmas Toys for Tots Campaign.
G. Mitch Morris from Seymour’s local radio station KSEY has a live interview with volunteer Fireman Sid Winn regarding the Fireman’s Hamburger Feed and the Christmas events surrounding the Toys for Tots Campaign.
H. The Firemen always have a great turn out for the annual Hamburger Feed for their Christmas Toys for Tots Campaign.