As Christmas approaches, cities and communities across Bastrop County have returned to their annual holiday traditions.Smithville celebrated 30 years of its annual Festival of Lights & Lighted Parade on December 4 with an all-day festival, culminating with a parade after sunset. The day’s festivities included a holiday market at the Smithville Rec Center as well as vendors on Main Street, a live music lineup at the gazebo, a cornhole tournament, kids’ activities such as games and pictures with Santa, and a 15th birthday celebration for Smitty, the world’s largest gingerbread man, with cake and a ribbon cutting to dedicate Smitty’s ...