Hamilton Trailer Repair & Welding Service Earns $3,900 Grant to Boost Local Business

Hamilton is growing stronger every day — and our local businesses are a big part of that success! The Hamilton Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is proud to announce that Hamilton Trailer Repair and Welding Service has been awarded a $3,900 Commercial Business Improvement Grant (CBIG).

This grant, awarded under the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 program, will support exterior upgrades that not only improve the business’s property but also enhance the look and feel of our community.

💡 The CBIG program is designed to help Hamilton businesses thrive, offering reimbursement for up to 65% of eligible exterior improvements (up to $8,000 per project). From storefront updates and signage to landscaping and accessibility improvements, these projects make Hamilton more welcoming for customers, residents, and visitors.

Looking ahead, HEDC has dedicated $12,000 for CBIG funding in Fiscal Year 2025–2026, meaning there will be even more opportunities for local businesses to shine.

“Programs like the Commercial Business Improvement Grant are a direct investment in Hamilton’s business community,” said Debbie Grieve, Executive Director of the Hamilton EDC. “We’re proud to support Hamilton Trailer Repair and Welding Service and excited to see the positive impact their improvements will bring.”

📍 And don’t forget — the Hamilton EDC and Hamilton Main Street offices are now located at 200 E Main Street in downtown Hamilton. Stop by anytime to learn more about available grants and initiatives that support our local economy.

👉 For details about the CBIG program, visit hamiltontexas.com or contact the EDC office at 254-386-8116 opt 9 or edc@hamiltontx.com.

Hamilton Civic Theatre Presents Murder on the Orient Express

🚂 All Aboard for Mystery!

Hamilton Civic Theatre Presents Murder on the Orient Express

Step back in time and into suspense as the Hamilton Civic Theatre brings one of the world’s most iconic mysteries to the heart of our community. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, is arriving at the Ross Street Theater this October—where the echoes of history and the charm of small-town Texas meet world-class storytelling.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Companion Senior Care, our talented hometown cast is ready to transport you from Hamilton’s Ross Street straight to the snow-covered tracks of 1930s Europe, where a train is stalled, a murder is discovered, and the legendary detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the tangled web of clues before the killer strikes again.

📍 Location: Ross Street Theater — 108 Ross St, Hamilton, TX
🗓️ Showtimes:

• Thursday, October 2 at 7 PM

• Friday, October 3 at 7 PM

• Saturday, October 4 at 7 PM

• Sunday, October 5 at 2 PM

🎟️ Tickets:

Only $20 — purchase online at www.Hamilton-Theatre.org

About the Show

A snowstorm. A stranded train. A murder. A detective racing against time.
Murder on the Orient Express is a thrilling ride packed with colorful characters, sharp twists, and the timeless brilliance of Agatha Christie. Whether you’re a lifelong mystery lover or new to her work, this production will have you guessing until the very end.

Here in Hamilton, our history is steeped in railroads—trains once carried goods, families, and new beginnings through the Hill Country. It feels only fitting that we now bring the most famous train mystery of all time to life on our own stage.

Don’t Miss Out!

Seats are limited, and performances are expected to sell out quickly. Grab your tickets, bring a friend, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of intrigue.

📢 And while you’re at the theater, be sure to thank Companion Senior Care for supporting local arts and helping keep Hamilton’s cultural spirit thriving.

🚂 All aboard… the mystery awaits!

From Butcher Block to Ballroom: Wenzel Hall Opens in Historic Downtown Hamilton

Hamilton’s Historic Main Street district has always been a place where neighbors gather, celebrate, and build memories. On August 30, 2025, the community will welcome a new chapter with the grand opening of Wenzel Hall—a modern event space rooted in history.

A Legacy on Bell Street

Just steps from the courthouse, Bell Street has long been home to businesses that have shaped daily life. The Wenzel family’s LoneStar Meat Co. at 209 N. Bell has been a Main Street anchor for years. Now, the neighboring buildings at 203 N. Bell—once storefronts serving generations of Hamiltonians—have been thoughtfully transformed into Wenzel Hall, designed to bring people together, just as downtown businesses have always done.

Where History Meets Celebration

With a full kitchen, bridal suites, and a flexible floor plan, the venue supports weddings, reunions, live music, and community events—honoring its historic surroundings while meeting the needs of the modern era.

Community at the Heart

Timed with Dove Festival weekend, the opening underscores what Main Street has always been: Hamilton’s living room. Wenzel Hall carries that spirit forward, offering a new stage where the town’s story continues.

Looking Ahead

By bridging past and present, Wenzel Hall strengthens the fabric of Hamilton’s Historic Main Street—giving residents and visitors another reason to gather in the heart of town.

For booking details and more, visit www.wenzelhall.com.

From Real Estate to Bootmaking to Pet Pampering – A Main Street Story

The eastmost storefront at 306 E. Main Street has seen plenty of change over the years, and each chapter has added something special to our downtown story. This Labor Day weekend, we’re thrilled to welcome De-Shed Pet Grooming to the Hamilton Main Street District – bringing fresh energy (and a few wagging tails!) to the heart of town.

A Space with History

For many years, Bob Cochran’s Real Estate Office operated here, helping countless families find their perfect Hamilton home. Bob’s friendly presence and deep local knowledge made it a trusted stop for anyone buying or selling in the area.

In the late 2000s, the space became home to ROC’N WT Boot Company, owned by bootmaker Bill Taylor. For years, Bill’s craftsmanship turned out one-of-a-kind cowboy boots and fine leather repairs, carrying forward Hamilton’s tradition of skilled trade right here on Main Street.

A New Era

Now, this historic storefront is ready for its next chapter – and this time, it’s all about our four-legged friends. De-Shed will officially open its doors Labor Day weekend 2025, offering professional grooming services in a convenient, central location. From routine grooming to specialized care, De-Shed is here to keep Hamilton’s pets looking and feeling their best.

Their move into the Main Street District is more than just a change of address – it’s a commitment to being part of our vibrant downtown community. As with so many Main Street businesses, De-Shed will benefit from foot traffic, local visibility, and the charm of operating in a historic building with a story to tell.

Why This Matters for Downtown

Every business that has called this storefront home has brought something unique to Hamilton. With De-Shed, we’re adding another layer to that history – one that blends small-town warmth with modern pet care services. It’s exactly the kind of business that keeps our downtown thriving: local, personal, and rooted in community connections.

This historical background was compiled in collaboration with the Hamilton County Historical Museum, ensuring that the story of this building — and the people who’ve worked here — is preserved for generations to come.

So mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend and stop by to welcome De-Shed to their new home. Whether you have a pet that needs pampering or you just want to see a fresh face on Main Street, this is a great opportunity to celebrate growth, history, and the small-town spirit that makes Hamilton special.

2025 Dove Festival Schedule

Friday, August 29th

6:30PM

Mutton Bustin & Calf Scramble- Hamilton Fair Park

7:30PM

Pro Rodeo- Hamilton Fair Park

Saturday, August 30th

8:00AM-3:00PM

Vendors Open on the Square in Downtown Hamilton, Texas

9:00AM

Line-up for Dove Festival Parade at corner of E Gentry St and N Railroad St.

10:00AM

Dove Festival Parade

6:30PM

Mutton Bustin & Calf Scramble- Hamilton Fair Park

7:30PM

Pro Rodeo- Hamilton Fair Park

8:30PM

Doors Open- Dance & Live Music at Jayson Harris Pavillion

9:30PM

Music Starts- Dance & Live Music at Jayson Harris Pavillion

Welcome to AllThingsHamilton.org — A Community & Visitor Guide from Hamilton EDC & Main Street

Hamilton is a place that thrives on community spirit and Southern hospitality — and now, thanks to a partnership between the Hamilton Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and the Hamilton Main Street Program, we have a new way to share that with the world.

AllThingsHamilton.org is designed for everyone:

• Locals who want to stay connected with events, Main Street projects, and community news.

• Visitors looking to experience our unique shops, delicious restaurants, and welcoming places to stay.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Main Street Highlights – Learn about the projects and people shaping our downtown.

• Community Calendar – Stay informed about events, markets, and concerts.

• Eat, Shop, Stay – Plan your perfect day or weekend in Hamilton.

• Visitor Info – Find maps, attractions, and travel tips.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time guest, AllThingsHamilton.org is your doorway to everything our community has to offer.

Explore now and see what makes Hamilton so special: AllThingsHamilton.org

Soaring into Hamilton: Cross-Country Development Camp Takes Flight Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day weekend, August 30 – September 1, 2025, the skies above Hamilton will be alive with graceful gliders as the Hamilton Soaring Club hosts the SSA Cross-Country Development Camp at Hamilton Municipal Airport.

The event will bring glider pilots from across the region to train, fly, and learn together, using our own airport as the launch point for their soaring adventures. While most of us won’t be in the cockpit, it’s a rare chance to see this side of aviation up close.

What to Expect in Hamilton

• Increased Airport Activity – Clear, sunny days will be the busiest, with tow planes launching gliders into the sky throughout the day.

• Visitors in Town – Pilots and their families will be staying locally, dining in our restaurants, and browsing our shops.

• Quiet Overhead – Once released from the tow plane, gliders fly silently, relying on rising air currents rather than engines.

Why This Matters for Our Community

• Highlights Hamilton Municipal Airport as an active and valuable asset.

• Brings aviation enthusiasts (and their tourism dollars) to our town.

• Builds Hamilton’s reputation as a welcoming place for special events.

The Experience
During the camp, pilots will be honing skills such as reading weather patterns, plotting cross-country routes, and flying in competition-style tasks—all using only air currents for power once airborne.

So, if you look up this Labor Day weekend and spot a sleek white glider tracing circles high above, know it’s part of a program that’s putting Hamilton on the aviation map—one soaring flight at a time.

Soaring Society of American

Learn more about this event.

Hamilton Historic Main Street Program – Now Accepting Applications for Board Members

Pictured above is a recent project through the Main Street Program.

Are you passionate about preserving local heritage, supporting small businesses, and enhancing our historic downtown?

The Hamilton Historic Main Street Program is currently seeking two new board members to join our dedicated team of community leaders.

 About Us:

The Hamilton Historic Main Street Program is a nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization and preservation of downtown Hamilton, blending economic development with historical preservation to create a thriving, vibrant Main Street.

 Board Member Responsibilities:

• Attend monthly board meetings

• Support fundraising and community events

• Provide input on strategic planning and program goals

• Serve as an ambassador for the Main Street district

• Collaborate with local businesses, city leaders, and residents

 Ideal Candidates:

• Passionate about community development and local history

• Experience in business, marketing, nonprofit work, preservation, or event planning (a plus but not required)

• Willing to actively participate in program initiatives and events

• Residents or stakeholders in the City of Hamilton or surrounding area

 How to Apply: To be considered, please email your application to mainstreet@hamiltontx.com.

 Help shape the future of Hamilton’s historic downtown— join us in making a difference!

Another Successful Main Street Market in Downtown Hamilton!

We had another wonderful turnout for this month’s Main Street Market — thank you to everyone who came out to shop, support, and celebrate local!

This time around, the square was filled with beautiful handsewn and knitted crafts, woodwork, jewelry, windchimes, fresh vegetables, farm eggs, and of course — delicious baked goods. It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and heart our local vendors bring to each event.

Main Street Market happens the 2nd Saturday of every month, April through December, and continues to grow as a beloved Hamilton tradition.

Interested in becoming a vendor?

We’re always looking to welcome new vendors! If you create handmade goods, bake, grow, or craft — we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or learn more:

• Email: mainstreet@hamiltontexas.com

• Call: 254-784-9535

• Or stop by the Historic Main Street Office at 103 N Rice St, Hamilton, TX

Let’s keep the square full of creativity, community, and connection all year long!

Community Spotlight- Hamilton Community Center Breaks Ground on New Facility

On June 8, 2025, the Hamilton Community Center officially broke ground on its new building — a project designed to expand its ability to serve the people of Hamilton with care, connection, and dignity.

The new facility will feature:

• A commercial kitchen for expanded meal preparation

• Meeting rooms for classes, community gatherings, and social events

• Welcoming spaces where residents of all ages can connect, play games, and enjoy one another’s company

This project is being made possible thanks to generous community support — from the donation of land to the funding for construction and daily operations. The Community Center has become a vital hub for Hamilton, currently serving over 90 home-delivered meals per day and welcoming more than 20 guests daily for in-person meals, games, and fellowship.

A heartfelt thank you to State Senator Brian Birdwell for attending the ceremony and sharing a few words, and to Dairy Queen of Hamilton for bringing treats to help celebrate the occasion.

If you’d like to support the effort, donations can be made to:

Hamilton Community Center
P.O. Box 615
Hamilton, TX 76531

Or in person at the existing Community Center on Main Street, or through Lucy Lee at Lee Health Care.

This new space will help strengthen the community connections that make Hamilton such a special place to call home.