The Bandera Business Association hosted the National Day of the American Cowboy with a day full of fun at Mansfield Park on Saturday.
President Arlene Guerra noted that the event had just outgrown the Courthouse Lawn.
The move to Mansfield Park allowed the event to pair with the Riding on Faith Rodeo that evening to present a full day of cowboy fun. This was the BBA’s first time to anchor the event at the rodeo arena.
The event was free to the public and many visitors came to see the shows and visit the vendors.
Visitors from Germany and Switzerland, as well as North and South Carolina; Virgina; Florida; Hondo; San Antonio; Houston and Round Rock took part in the festivities.
Bandera’s city and county officials were introduced to the crowd after the posting of the colors and singing of the national anthem.
The arena was used to showcase the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters and their reenactments.
The Cowboys on Main, led by local Roy Dugosh, with his antique cars, performed several skits with an old West flavor.
Pistol Packin’ Paula astounded the crowd with her world champion pistol skills. Dave Herschberger, cowboy poet and storyteller, enthralled the crowd with his engaging stories about the traditions of the cowboy and the Old West.
The kids’ area drew youngsters of all types to the hobby horses, stick ponies, and bouncy bulls.
Cowgirl Leanne (Beauxbeannes) and Cowgirl Lynn (Palmer) wrangled the youngsters and helped them bust out of the miniature rodeo chute on their rides. Most were able to last eight seconds and earned a Bandera bandana as a souvenir.
Cowboys hitched their horses under a tree to allow the little buckaroos to pet the Western cow ponies and for parents to take a memorable picture. Iron steers were set up with ropes available to encourage the little ones to try their luck with a lasso.
After lunch the Cowboy Mounted Shooting team loped around the arena firing at balloon targets to the amazement of the crowd. Cowboy Cook Kelly Scott provided free Coffee, Biscuits and Gravy to the visitors from the back of his chuck wagon.
The visitors particularly enjoyed the covered wagon rides around the park which circled every 15 minutes. Visitors from San Antonio were enthusiastic about their rides, “It was just fantastic. We loved it,” said one couple.
The Bandera Brothel Babes sponsored a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Cowboys on Main.
The BBA also sold raffle tickets to win a Javelina Harley Davidson gift basket to support the Cowboys on Main.
Music at either end of the vendor alley got everyone in the spirit of the day with cowboy and old timey tunes.
Vendors sold food and drinks. Sue’s Taco Truck did a rousing business. Beer was available as well. Especially of note was the Mark Miller Saddlery booth with its large display of custom tack and beautiful saddles.
The Seguin Cigar Company offered fat stogies and elegant Panteras.
The Hollywood Western Wardrobe booth could fit the aspiring cowboy with an authentic outfit tailored especially for the wearer.
Sponsors of the event were T.J.’s at the Old Forge, Cowgirl Coffee Company, Bandera Wine and Spirits, True Value Hardware, Hyo Silver, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, A Place to Stay, and Custom Glass and Mirror.
The Bandera Business Association works to promote, preserve, and enhance the rich historical heritage in Bandera, Texas.
