The Bandera Memorial Day Parade came off without a hitch.
The day dawned with overcast skies that kept the temperatures in the low 80’s. A light breeze blew to keep parade goers cool. It was simply perfect weather for an outdoor event.
The parade had over 75 entries. Some were familiar like the Chicken Car from Church’s Chicken, and some were new entries like the queens and princesses from the surrounding communities.
Royal courts from Kerr, Gillespie, Kendall, Helotes and Comal counties all made an appearance.
Comfort sent their royal court, too.
Bandera’s Riding on Faith Rodeo Queen and Princess also made their first parade appearance.
The children arguably had the most fun at the event as they picked up candy enough to fill large Ziploc baggies.
Other items were thrown like koozies, teeth brushing kits (thanks to Dr. Randi Mellon of Tooth Scootin’ Boogie), and patriotic flags.
Bandera showed its tourists a great time at the parade and at Market Days as well. The market days had a variety of vendors from all over Texas.
The gun fighter re-enactors also performed. Several food trucks were parked so patrons could avail themselves of typical fair food items like ice cream, snow cones, kettle corn, barbeque, and carne asada.
Various community groups entered the parade.
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo directors had an entry with their iconic yellow and red logo.
Both American Legion posts had entries which honored the fallen soldiers memorialized by Memorial Day.
Post 157 had a stirring entry where soldiers from different eras saluted a flag draped coffin representing the soldiers who gave their all.
Warriors Heart, a Bandera County institution, brought out their large Army and Air Force vehicles to amaze the crowd.
A gigantic black truck was also entered into the parade. It was huge and the crowd loved it. Several speed boats were entered into the parade and revved their engines for the crowd.
Businesses from Bandera County also participated in the parade. Buddy’s Water Wells, American Water Wells, Tooth Scootin’ Boogie, Legacy Ranch, Texas Salt Company, and A Place to Stay Reservations.
Each had unique parade entries representing their business.
The most unusual entry was Bandera Electric Coop’s linemen on poles showing one of the hardest jobs in the industry.
Several notable Bandera County residents appeared in the parade. Mrs. Ople Boyle rode in a beautifully restored Ford Model A. Incumbent Sheriff Dan Butts drove through and waved to the crowd. Medina local and mule expert Paul Garrison rode his mules in the parade. Bandera Marshal Nancy DeFoster rode in the parade with her perpetually sunny disposition on display.
The parade had a variety of animals as entries. Warriors Heart brought a large contingent of service dogs with their owners.
Two camels from the Camel Farm in Pipe Creek strolled down Main Street. Paul Garrison and wife Alejandra rode their mules.
And of course, there were horses. Some of the most beautiful were the high steppers and prancing ponies each groomed immaculately.
