By Moses Leos III
A popular cable television show that hunts for antiques in everyday American homes will be making a stop in Central Texas this February.
The Buda Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Buda hope local purveyors and collectors of antiques can bring the show, American Pickers, into Buda.
In a press release, the popular show on Dec. 22 announced they are heading to Texas in February.
The show is a documentary series that “explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking,’” according to the press release.
The show follows two men, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who travel through the country in search of “America’s most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.”
Buda Chamber Executive Director J.R. Gonzales said a representative of the show contacted him last week about their plans to visit Texas.
“They wanted to know if we would help promote the fact they are coming,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales, who is familiar with the show, was told the show had never ventured to the Central Texas area.
“They’re excited about Texas,” Gonzales said. “It’s a community they’ve had a lot of success in.”
Once he got the confirmation they would be coming to the state, Gonzales began to get the word out to residents. He said the goal was to “let as many people know as possible.”
He began with posting information on the Chamber’s social media page. Gonzales said the post received 14 shares within an hour’s time.
While the show wouldn’t make its way to Texas until February, Gonzales said the key was getting a head start on promotion. That includes reaching out to members of the community who “may have a nice cache … of antiques or whatever they’re collecting.”
Buda Mayor Todd Ruge was also intrigued at the prospect of another reality television show making its way to the region. According to Ruge, he was “not surprised” that the reality show reached out to Buda, as several reality shows have filmed in the city over the past few years.
He said the Great American Country reality show “Freeloaders” filmed in Buda recently. Two years ago saw HGTV film “My Big Family Renovation,” which featured Buda resident Jen Hatmaker.
“I think anything that can put a spotlight, particularly a national spotlight on Buda and Central Texas, is a good thing,” Ruge said.
According to Ruge, there could be several advantages that occur with a reality show filming in Buda.
Name branding, which includes passing by and filming landmarks or monument signs, is “very important.”
Production companies applying for permits to film could also generate revenue. Ruge said the city is a “film friendly city” and that the permit process is cut and dry.
But finding someone who collects antiques will be the challenge for the city and the Chamber.
Ruge said he believes there could be someone who fits the mold of what the American Pickers are looking for.
“We are still a rural community. There are a lot of old farmhouses around here,” Ruge said.
Gonzales said if they should come to Buda, the show could film the “uniqueness of the community and to put it out there.”
He added that the opportunity could be a “win-win” for the chamber.
“We support all efforts as much as possible to get more recognition for Buda, and to increase the notoriety and tourism for people to relocate here,” Gonzales said.
