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The Cameron Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Cameron and Milam County, Texas!
There is a special feeling you get when you return to the place where you grew up. The food tastes better, the air smells sweeter, a familiar friendly face greets you at every turn, and although you might miss some of the conveniences of the big city, your troubles stay behind! Visitors and newcomers say Cameron is a friendly town, as everyone greets you with a smile or a Good Day greeting, when you walk down the street.
Like many quaint and small rural Texas towns, Cameron was named for Texas Revolutionary figure Captain Ewen Cameron. The impact of Cameron’s earliest settlers can still be seen all over town. The past two years, downtown Cameron has undergone renovations and restorations of several of the older buildings. With that, new life, new businesses, and things to do in Cameron have come alive again! In addition, past histories of the town have been uncovered and preserved.
Milam County’s natural beauty has not changed much, and some of Cameron’s loveliest vistas and best activities are found inside one of eleven city parks. Enjoy a picnic and bird watching on the 25 acres of Wilson Ledbetter Park! Take a riding tour of Milam County’s historical bridges, along with viewing over 250 other historical markers throughout the county.
Though our town is small, our roots run deep, and we are home to three museums representing Milam County. Visit our Milam County Historical Museum, Old Town Cameron & Railroad Museum and the Historic 1895 Pauly Jail, with hanging gallows. The rich history of Cameron and Milam County is still deeply rooted in agriculture and commerce.
If you time your trip right, you can enjoy several events hosted by the Cameron Chamber and Cameron Tourism HOT Funds. In October, is our Annual Steak, Stein, and Wine Fest featuring 44 Farms Steaks and Steak Flight Tastings.
Our annual “Christmas in Cameron” kicking off with a themed parade on the first Thursday of December. The parade is rated as the “Best Christmas Parade in Central Texas” with over 70 beautifully decorated entries. Take a look around our beautifully decorated downtown square, featuring weekly Christmas events in December, or stop in one of the shops or eateries!
Whether you pack up and move here or just stop in for the day, Cameron wants to be your hometown. Visit us today and see for yourself that there is no place like Cameron! Check out our website @cameron-tx.com for updates on events within the community. Picture yourself in Cameron, and join in the fun!
Melanie J. Reed Executive Director andRetail Tourism Development Director of Cameron Chamber of CommerceCelebrate the holiday season in downtown Cameron. Cameron has been reimagined for the holiday season through the effort of downtown businesses and key groups of people.
The holiday season kicks of with the Cameron Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade on the first Thursday in December - Dec. 7 for 2023.
Several events are featured throughout the holiday season including Smores on the Square, Holiday Golf Cart Parade and Movie on the Square and a Holiday Sip and Shop on the Square.
The 2022 Christmas Parade in downtown along with several events through the holiday season showcased a brand new light display throughout downtown.
“The vision is for Cameron to become a Christmas destination,” Cameron Economic Development Corporation Director Ginger Watkins said. “Starting with the Courthouse Square we established a foundation of Christmas lights that we can add to each year. We also held a Christmas lighting celebration in conjunction with the annual Christmas parade along with events throughout the holiday season such as smores and caroling to create a festive and fun holiday experience for citizens and visitors alike.”
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Cameron residents should be proud of the county seat. The square has long been in productive use. Urban renewal in the 1970’s brought major transformation in the form of the mall area and parking. Later the Courthouse was beautifully and lovingly restored. However, over time we lost the community and social aspect that a downtown and county seat bring to an area. Over time the shopping, dining and entertainment options closed giving way to a larger presence of governmental offices. The good news, the buildings were occupied and in use. The sad news was that the reasons to gather and enjoy community disappeared.”
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Watkins said the opportunity to reclaim the Courthouse Square as a place for the citizens of Milam County to gather was on display last December.
Reclaiming the Square for citizens also means an economic renaissance – new capital investments, new businesses, and new jobs mean new opportunities for the community and citizens to prosper.
“A wonderful opportunity is before us to bring new events and activities to the Milam County Courthouse Square - events that create a sense of community for citizens as well as offering visitors an opportunity to experience the fun, warmth, and history of rural Texas,” Watkins said. “The Christmas season evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and calls to families to gather – it is the quintessential opportunity to showcase the Milam County Courthouse Square.”
Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season in Cameron. The 2023 parade theme will be Christmas Traditions.
Hundreds crowd the downtown square for the beautiful floats and music fills the air.
Festivities kick off in our historic downtown square at 5 p.m. with, music, food trucks, wine wagons, arts, and crafts and more. Triple C Winery, Cloud Nine Coffee, 5D Travelin’ Tavern, Barking Armadillo Brewing, Kona Ice, Bahler Street Pizza, En Gedi Vineyards, will bring food and drinks to
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Cameron Business Park (Hwy 190, 36, and 77)
Cameron Business (Hwy 190, 36, and 77)
- Approximately 20 shovel-ready acres available
- Approximately 20 shovel-ready acres available
- 40-room Budget Host & Suites
- 40-room Budget Host & Suites
- Baylor Scott & White Clinic
- Department of Human Services
- Baylor Scott & White Clinic and Pharmacy
- Cameron Country Jeep Dodge Ram
- Department of Human Services
- NorCal Ovenworks - Opened Feb. 2022
- Cameron Country Jeep Dodge Ram
- NorCal Ovenworks - Opened Feb. 2022
Cameron Business Park II
Cameron Business Park II
- 4 frontage lots on Hwy 190, 36 and 77
- Utilities readily available
- 4 frontage lots on Hwy 190, 36 and 77
- Utilities readily available
Cameron Industrial Park (Hwy 77 & Industrial Blvd)
- Affordable Interior Systems, Inc.
- Butler Weldments
Cameron Industrial Park (Hwy 77 & Industrial Blvd)
- Affordable Interior Systems, Inc.
- Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
- Butler Weldments
- TX Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation
the downtown.
- Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
- Livestock Nutrition Center
- TX Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation
- United Portable Buildings
- Livestock Nutrition Center
- United Portable Buildings
Downtown Redevelopment
Downtown Redevelopment
The Venue at Railfan
Cameron Farmers to Market Coffee Shop
Cameron Beer Market
- Railfan on Main - recruiting Coffee Shop, Craft Brewery, Wine Tasting & Boutique Hotel
- The Parlour - Boutique nail salon and coffee bar
General Mercantile & Antiques
Arts and Crafts Vendors, Farmers Market Vendors, New Vision Ministry Church with Mexican Sweet Bread, First Baptist Church with Hot Chocolate, and other items such as tamales, tacos, homemade chili, funnel cakes, and more. Awards are given out for Best Decorated Corporate/Organization Float (a new category), as well as Best Decorated Small Business/Organization Float (a new category). Creating these categories allows us to award small business or organizations prizes for their entries. First, Second and Third Place will be awarded in all categories, along with a Best Overall Award!
- Mercantile Bistro - historic restaurant space for lease
The Wagon Wheel of Cameron
The Parlour Boutique, Nail Salon and Coffee Bar
- Buildings available on the Courthouse Square
Enjoy live entertainment from the gazebo featuring Cameron’s local favorite South 77 Band, who will kick off activities at 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m. Christmas Downtown Lighting Ceremony will begin with a brief ceremony, before flipping the switch and lighting up the square.
At 6:30 p.m. the parade will begin
www.cameronindustrialfoundation.com
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rolling down the streets in Cameron. You don’t want to miss all the amazing floats, and vehicles from our local businesses and individuals that make Cameron come alive with Christmas themed decorations and characters. There have been over 70 entries during the past five years of this great parade.
Several other events take place during the holiday season including the Holiday Sip and Shop and S’more Holidays on the Square. The Holiday Sip and Shop features businesses all over town which have special deals welcoming customers througout the day. Vendors are also available at The Venue at Railfan. The event focuses on shopping local for the holidays.
S’more Holidays on the Square features s’mores on the downtown square along with a Golf Cart Parade and Movie on the Square featuring a holiday favorite.
For more information on all holiday events visit cameron-tx. com or call the Chamber at (254) 697-4079.
Lions Club Auction - May 3-5
Tune in to KMIL to help the Cameron Lions Club raise funds for community donations daily.
Yoe Day - May 11
Cameron ISD students honor Mr. and Mrs. Yoe in this annual remembrance on the second Thursday of May every year.
Memorial Day Memorial ServiceMay 29
Service held in front of the Milam County Courthouse at 10 a.m.
Milam County Fireworks Celebration - July 4
This year’s event co-sponsored by the Rockdale and Cameron Chambers of Commerce will be held in Rockdale. Activities for all with fireworks beginning at dusk.
Milam County Crop Tour - Late July
The Milam County Extension Office sponsors this annual tour of county crops.Call the Extension Office for details.
Carl Bradley
Master Plumber #M17680
Steak, Stein & Wine Festival - Oct. 14
The Annual Steak, Stein and Wine Festival is set in downtown Cameron with 44 Farms Steak Dinner, Steak, Stein and Wine Run, artisans, wine and beer tasting and music throughout the day. Call the Cameron Chamber for details.
Air Show & Fly-in - Oct. 14
An air show featuring an acrobatic performance by a 1940s-era plane takes over the Cameron Municipal Airport.The event features an air show, vendors and food trucks and fun for all. It is free to the public. It also featured music from South 77 Band and acrobatic performances as well as planes on display for viewing.
2104 North Karnes, Cameron, TX 76520
254-697-4985 www.winnielnursing.com
Chamber of Commerce Christmas ParadeDec. 7
Held the first Thursday of December in downtown Cameron at 6:30 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Downtown Square and enjoy the beautiful decorations in downtown Cameron. Christmas events are scheduled throughout December in downtown Cameron - including a golf cart parade and S’mores on the Square.
Chamber Classic Basketball Tournament - Late December Basketball teams from across Central Texas compete for the title each December.
Sponsored by the Cameron Chamber of Commerce.
Little River Basin Master Gardeners Plant Sale - March 2
annual Master Gardener Plant Sale and Raffle at
Youth Expo Building in Cameron beginning at 9 a.m. Plan to come early to get the best selection of plants, and attend the educational seminars.
Milam County Junior Livestock Show - March 27-30 Youth from across Milam County exhibit their animals in hopes of making the premium sale. Youth exhibit cattle, goats, sheep, swine and poultry. There is also a baked goods show.
Spring Festival - March 30
Come blossom in Cameron at the Spring Festival. Enjoy music from local favorites South 77 Band and Casey Stanislaw, along with shopping, food and fun.
The Cameron Chamber of Commerce will host the Steak, Stein and Wine Festival in historic downtown Cameron on Oct. 14, 2023.
This year’s event will feature events all around town throughout the day including an Air Show and Fly-in along with a Car Show downtown, along with an Art Walk.
A Steak Dinner will feature Cameron’s own local beef producer, 44 Farms, with ribeye steaks and all the trimmings, a true farm to table event. Steak will be prepared on an open pit by Trey Felton with the Thorndale Meat Market.
Enjoy wine and beer tasting from Triple C Winery, En Gedi Winery, and 5D Travelin Tavern, along with food from several local food trucks.
Festival events will begin at 10 a.m. in historic downtown Cameron
Cameron’s Downtown Square will be packed with activities throughout the day. Shop local artisans and retailers, chow down on food truck treats, explore our museums, play yard games, or enjoy your glass of wine while you listen to live music. Visit the Old Town Cameron exhibit to see the history of Cameron.
Enjoy the Cameron Car Club Car Show with over 60 entries. Enjoy activities for the kids like bounce houses, Kid’s Cowboy Zone and photo booth.
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Music will be played all throughout the day, with bands like South 77 Band and KCD Band, just to name a few. The night is closed out with a street dance for all ages to enjoy.
The Cameron Municipal Airport is all a buzz that day during the Cameron Air Show and Fly-in.
The airport was reopened for use by the public with a ribbon cutting and air show in 2021 featuring an acrobatic performance by a 1940s-era plane. The event continued in 2022 and will now be on Oct. 14 in conjunction with the Steak, Stein and Wine Festival.
The event features an air show, vendors and food trucks and fun for all. It is free to the public. It also features music and acrobatic performances as well as planes on display for viewing.
Contact Ginger Watkins at (254) 697-4970 or gwatkins@cameronindustrialfoundation.com for vendors information.
For additional information about any of these events check the Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page or visit steaksteinwinefestival. com. Artists, crafters, and other vendors may call Melanie Reed at (254) 697-4979 or email Melanie at chamber@cameron-tx.com.
Are you ready to take a step back in time? You can do exactly that at the Old Town Cameron exhibit at the Milam County Train Museum in Cameron.
Cameron native John Johnson has spent the better part of 40 years perfecting the Old Town Cameron replica of 1940s Cameron.
Johnson grew up in Cameron where the downtown was a place of bustling activity. As a young boy he visited the downtown area and on many occasions sat and watched the trains on the side of the road with his father.
When you visit the replica you see the work of 83-year-old Johnson who donated his work to the museum.
For Johnson this is more than a hobby. Each hand-painted figure, delicately-crafted building and train car is a piece of the love story between him and his wife Frances. He will tell you she played a big part in it. She was my right-hand man. This has been a life’s work full of passion, history, memories and lovely expression of the big heart for Cameron and its people.
Johnson grew up in Cameron, but spent most of his adult life in Austin. He couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t love trains.
Johnson has been interviewed by several different television stations and by Shane McAuliffe of The Texas Bucket List.
Jamie Larson with the Milam County Train Museum said that Johnson was gifted with being able to remember what Cameron used to look like.
Old Town Cameron is currently in the process of moving in next door to the Milam County Museum in downtown Cameron with a new Depot Facade Entrance and a newly redesigned home base. They are expected to reopen by the end of summer 2023.
Cameron has a unique complex of museums offering a glimpse of the past in the downtown business/government office district.
The Milam County Jail Museum, located at East Main Street and South Fannin Avenue and now known as the Milam County Museum, was designed in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture and was built in 1895 by the Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri, which brought most building supplies from St. Louis. The three-story red brick building has many distinctive mini-turrets. It is topped by a hanging tower, which was never used.
The first floor was used for storage and a residence for the sheriff and his family, while the second and third floors housed prisoners. It was replaced in 1975 for a more modern jail and then became the local historical museum.
The residence areas of the jail are furnished in antique furniture and household items, much like what would have been used there by the Sheriff’s family. The last family to live there was the family of Sheriff Carl Black. The son of Carl Black, Judge William Black, presented a program, “The Life and Times of Sheriff Carl Black,” at the Milam County Historical Museum, discussing his memories of his father and of living in the jail. The museum has DVD recordings of that presentation available for purchase at the museum.
On the grounds of the jail museum is the historic Sneed Log Cabin, converted to a visitor’s center on the El Camino Real de los Tejas historic trail. The cabin was built around 1849 by Joseph P. Sneed, a circuit riding preacher. Today, it serves as a showcase of frontier life in Central Texas with displays of artifacts and antiques.
The Milam County Historical Museum is located at 112 W. First Street in a spacious downtown building that for many years housed a pharmacy. With climate controlled storage areas and walls of protective glass cases, the museum exhibits a wide variety of historical items, papers, artifacts and oddities ranging from arrowheads to a miniature circus; an old-time telephone operator’s base, antique cameras, antique farm tools, and many other interesting things. The museum is also a repository for historical papers, documents and research. The large display area includes seating for researchers, a play area for children and a unique museum gift shop featuring local history books, handmade items by local artisans and other gifts. Call (254) 697-8963 to find out the hours for the museum.
Old Town Cameron, a model of Cameron as it looked in the 1940s complete with a model train, is a historical artifact that pays homage to the area’s railroad history. For some 20 years it was on display in the county clerk’s office. Creator John Johnson “deeded” the town and train to Milam County several years ago when the clerk’s office was remodeled. The model has been moved to the JC Penney Building located on the west side of downtown Cameron. The museum is currently in the process of moving into the space next to the Milam County Museum in downtown Cameron. For information contact Jamie Larson at (512) 455-9591. You can find out more by visiting mcmr-otc.org.
Created in 1835, Milam County’s original boundaries extended north and west to include parts of 34 current Texas counties. Government offices were at Nashville-on-the-Brazos and Caldwell before Cameron became county seat in 1846. Two frame buildings and a two-story brick structure served as courthouses in Cameron before the present building was completed.
Austin architects Jacob Larmour and Arthur O. Watson designed the Renaissance Revival style courthouse, with the cornerstone laid by the local Masonic lodge on July 4, 1891. The first floor included the county courtroom and offices for county officials, while a district courtroom occupied the second and third stories. Identical north and south facades are five-part compositions, while the east and west are three-bay designs. Each of the four fronts has a projecting center pavilion enhanced by a portico and triangular pediment. A mansard roof and central clock tower top an exterior of arched windows, cut stone pilasters and quarry-faced ashlar limestone with fine detailing.
In the late 1930s, a federal renovation project by the Works Progress Administration removed the original roof, cupola, clock and statue, and made interior changes. The State of Texas also dedicated a statue on the grounds to commemorate the Centennial of Texas Independence and county namesake Ben Milam.
Restoration completed in 2002 reopened the full height of the district courtroom and replaced features that had been removed, including a stairway in the center hall and the clock tower and Goddess of Justice statue.
Today, the restored 1890 courthouse remains the focal point of the downtown area. A grassy mall with gazebo and fountain constructed by the city in the early 1970s leads up to the historic building.
300 E. 4th Street, Cameron TX 76520
This park is located at the 300 block of East 4th Street/Highway 190. The park offers a pavilion, tennis courts and playscape. The pavilion is available to rent for parties and other events.
4900 N. Fannin Avenue
Cameron TX 76520
The Airport Park Complex has several baseball and softball fields and is home to an active little league program from T-ball to Junior League. Field Number 1 is for hard ball only. Field Number 2 is for Minor and Little League kids’ games only. Field Number 2 is for men’s softball and pony league games only. Field Number 4 is for girls’ softball games only. Field Number 5 has no restrictions and no league games are scheduled on this field. It is available to the public on a first-come-first-to-play basis.
3900 N. Fannin Avenue, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.6646
The Cameron Park opened in July of 2008 and features a beautiful pool with a separate children’s splash pool. The pool is connected to the Hike and Bike Trail which meanders along Fannin Street to 22nd Street to 21st Street and ends at Ben Milam Elementary School. Families may enjoy a bike ride or a nice walk along the trail. The park includes a basketball court, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables and a pavilion.
701 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.6646
O.J. Thomas Park was dedicated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Thomas. The park has basketball courts, swings and a covered pavilion. The park’s basketball courts were restored giving the kids in the area a place to play.
301 Adams Avenue, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.4970
Hopes to be one of the finest youth baseball facilities in the US. There are several phases of the facility and Phase I has been completed. This includes the Event Center, a 2,000 square foot full-service community event center. It is also the home of the C.H. Yoe High School baseball team. At The Yards, there is the 44 Farms Farmers Market as well as a playground and a hiking and biking trail. For detailed information visit The Yards of Cameron at theyardsofcameron.com.
1204 E. 6th Street, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.6646
Orchard Park offers a lighted asphalt surface trail for walking/jogging that is ADA compliant with measured distances. The pond was created to assist with drainage issues and picnic tables, grills, and benches offering citizens a great place to spend with family. The park is dominated by beautiful pecan trees, some that are over 70 years old. Orchard Park also offers a lectern and seating, great for an outdoor classroom.
West 12th Street, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.6646
West 12th St Park is located at the intersection of West 12th Street and North Orchard Avenue. The park features playground equipment and picnic tables within a lush wooded area.
1007 South College Avenue, Cameron TX 76520
254.697.6646
Wilson-Ledbetter Park is a lush and beautiful 25-acre city park with picnic areas, hike and bike trails and is the site of the historic Brushy Creek iron bridge. The park is also home to many species of wildlife. Also located at the park is the American Legion Hut. The park now features electric and water hookups.
408 South Columbus Avenue, Cameron TX 76520 254.697.2569
Home to the Milam Community Theater (MCT), the Lester and Beatrice Williams Events Center is a spacious venue with the capacity to seat 300. This decommissioned National Guard Armory has had several renovations, first by the City of Cameron and more recently by the MCT. The first renovation was completed in 1995 with the generosity of the Williams Foundation and was so named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, both graduates of Yoe High School.
l In Patient and Out Patient Therapy
l Short-term Rehabilitation
l Long-term Care
l Respite Care
l Speech Therapy
l Physical Therapy
l Occupational Therapy
l Private and Semi-Private Rooms
l Daily Activities
l On-site Beauty Salon
l Free WiFi
l In House Laundry
2202 N. Travis Avenue, Cameron, Texas 76520 - 254.697.6564
The Milam Community Theater presents live theater in Milam County. The 2023 season kicked off with “Crimes of the Heart” in March. The remaing shows for the 2023 season are: “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” in July and August and “Almost, Maine” in November.
All MCT productions are presented in the Williams Event Center, now operated by MCT. Located at 408 South Columbus in Cameron, the facility continues to be available for rent for private and group functions on dates when it is not needed for theater productions and rehearsals. For more information about rental of the Williams Event Center, call (254) 482-2569. For more information about ticket prices visit MilamCommunityTheater.com. Memberships are also available by contacting producer@milamcommunitytheater.com.
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The Cameron Public Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and is closed Friday through Sunday. The library offers programs for all including a wonderful Children’s Program and Summer Reading Program for all youth in the community.
Wednesday mornings from 10-11:15 a.m. the Children’s Reading Program is for children from ages 3 to 7. This is an all-year program. They also host Needles and Hooks on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. It is open to needlecrafters who want to learn crochet.
Library cards are available to all Milam County residents. You can find more information at https://cameron.ploud.net/
Cameron Independent School District has approximately 1,800 students and occupies 315 square miles.
The district provides pre-kindergarten through 12th grade programs. The district operates four schools, all of which are accredited by the Texas Education Agency. All of the schools are located within the city limits of Cameron. The district is very diverse, both ethnically and economically.
Cameron schools have Yoemen pride developed through very successful academics, athletics, band, and UIL literary programs. The students of Cameron ISD have earned many distinctions in recent years. Some of these accomplishments include the district earning the highest possible rating of “Met Standard” from TEA, winning the UIL Lone Star Cup in 2011, completing a 3-peat State Championship in football for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons, winning a state championship in baseball and girls’ track in 2011 and being named the 2A state honor band for 2013-14.
The district has also established various support services for our students to include providing a free breakfast for all students, offering an after school academic and meal program for students, and adding social workers to our campuses through the Communities in Schools program. The district is grateful for the ongoing support of the community that is evidenced by their providing quality facilities for our students as well as being active in various organizations such as our booster clubs and Parent-Teacher Organizations.
“Together, We the Yoemen Stand!”
redhouseonfannin@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/redhousefannin
254-252-2017
254.697.6574
605 W. 4th Street, Cameron TX 76520
Cameron Police Department provides a Safe Exchange Location that is under surveillance 24 hours a day 7 days a week for your safety and convenience. Citations received from the Cameron Police Department can be paid at www. municipalonlinepayments. com/camerontx or www.