Cowboy Evening Shoppers Stroll makes comeback in Bandera
Cowboy Evening Shopper Stroll, also known as the Shoppers’ Jubilee in Bandera, started slowly but gained momentum as the night grew.
At 6:00 pm, most shoppers had finished dinner and started walking along Main Street, Cypress Street, Cedar Street, and 11th Street to browse and enjoy holiday refreshments provided by local merchants.
Most merchants agreed the crowds usually seen on Black Friday were not present in Bandera, and many were concerned about the lighter than average number of patrons at the Cowboy Evening Shopper Stroll. The adults seemed in good spirits enjoying live music at several locations. Holiday snacks, wine, and punch were available in most stores. Many folks were clearly Christmas shopping as they wandered down the street with bags and children in tow. Santa was present at the Bandera General Store to hear little ones’ holiday requests. After each important conversation, the child walked away with a candy cane and certain knowledge that there WAS a Santa Claus.
The hopeful look in their eyes as they returned to their parents’ side was an acknowledgement from Santa that they had surely been on the “nice list” this year.
Even if crowds were light, the merchants were full of holiday spirit. They welcomed everyone with smiles and offered to help shoppers select just the right present for that special person. Food and good cheer were flowing in abundance down Main Street.
Many shoppers stopped to talk to neighbors and friends as they leisurely walked down the street to all the shops. Visitors stopped to chat with native Banderans as both groups mixed and mingled on downtown sidewalks.
Even though this year’s turnout was lighter than in years past, everyone in Bandera worked to make the night a success.
Many patrons commented they missed the children’s choirs singing at the courthouse, the living nativity scene, and the strolling musicians playing holiday carols.
Also, missing was the holiday parade to welcome Santa to town.
Overcoming two hard years of COVID and several years of bad weather, Bandera has worked tirelessly to resurrect a holiday favorite in the Cowboy Evening Shopper Stroll.