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Bellville will mark a significant milestone in its rich history by celebrating its 175th anniversary. The festivities are slated to begin at 9:30 a.m. with a grand Celebration Parade that will be led by the Bellville High School drum corps, marching from N. Bell St. all the way to the Austin Co. Courthouse. At 10:15 a.m., Co Judge Tim Lapham will preside over the Opening Ceremony at the Courthouse Lawn. From there, the Town Square will burst to life at 10:30 a.m. with students dressed in period attire, sharing tales about the history of the Square’s buildings. The Bellville Library will showcase the German Settlers Culture while the sounds of the Concordia Gesang Verein and a Polka Band will emanate from the Huff Brewery and the Hwy 36 Pilates Studio, respectively. The Neely Bldg Parking Lot, located behind Flowers on Main St., will feature an array of attractions including antique cars, an antique firetruck, a museum, Austin County Chorale performances, artist exhibits, poetry readings, and students’ historical essays. Children will be transported back in time at 11:00 a.m. with 1800s games at Chesley Park, and a special Frozen performance by the Bellville High Drama Department at 11:30 a.m. The drama continues at 12:00 p.m. with a thrilling Jail Break event at the Austin Co. Jail Museum. Later, alumni from Bellville High School will gather for a nostalgic baseball game at 2:00 p.m. in Clark Park. As the day draws to a close, David Lewis and his band will perform at The Turnverein at 7:00 p.m. For those eager to be a part of this historic event, tickets are available for purchase at bellvillehistoricalsociety.org, Austin County State Bank, and First National Bank of Bellville. This grand celebration is generously sponsored by the Bellville Historical Society.
Events
As we approach a significant milestone in our town’s history, the 175th anniversary since its founding in 1848, we want to take a moment to reflect on our past and celebrate our community’s resilience and spirit. From our historic buildings to our local traditions, Bellville has a rich history that we are proud to share with you.
Bellville, Texas is our small town located in the heart of Austin County, with a population of just over 4,000 people. This year, the town is celebrating a significant milestone as it turns 175 years old since its founding in 1848. Bellville is a town that is rich in history and has preserved many of its historical buildings and landmarks that have been around since the early days of the town.
In the early days of Bellville, the town was a hub for trade and commerce due to its proximity to the Brazos River. The town quickly grew in popularity and became an essential part of the local economy. Over time, the town has evolved, and its economy has shifted towards agriculture and ranching, which are still prominent industries in the area.
To commemorate the town’s 175th anniversary, Bellville has planned
a celebration that is sure to bring the community together. On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the historic town square will be bustling with activity from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the town’s history and culture with food, music, and entertainment.
One of the highlights of the celebration is an old-fashioned baseball game at Clark Park at 2 pm. The game will bring back memories of a bygone era and is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages. For those who prefer dancing, the Turnverein will be hosting a dance from 7 pm to 10 pm. David Lewis and his band will be providing the music, and visitors can dance the night away to some classic tunes.
The celebration promises to be a warm and inviting event that will bring the community together. Visitors can enjoy the small-town charm of Bellville and experience the town’s history and culture. The 175th anniversary is a significant milestone, and the town is excited to share it with visitors from near and far. We hope that everyone near and far can come and help us celebrate!