Summer kicks off with Memorial Day parade

The Bandera Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, delighted locals and visitors alike with its patriotic theme and wide variety of floats.

Local merchants, friendly community members and area events comprised the field of entries.

While the day was warm and sunny, shade awnings and umbrellas protected the parade viewers. Candy was thrown and children gathered up their “loot” in grocery bags.

Plenty of western riders rode the parade trail and the usual antique cars and motorcycles joined them.

As in every Bandera parade, there was no lack of pretty ladies on well groomed horses to wave at parade goers.

The Shriners brought their tiny cars and performed a dizzying set of moves as they progressed down Main Street. Their speedy routine amazed even the youngest fans.

Buddy’s Water Well and Septic Service brought out all their company fleet with some heavy equipment as well. The brightly colored trucks and well service vehicles made a colorful statement.

The County Line Community Band brought music to the event with just a small group of musicians playing on the back of a trailer. Their music was a welcome note of interest. to amaze viewers. It had the biggest wheels seen in Bandera for a long time.

Warriors’ Heart brought out a large contingent of vehicles as well as their K9 squad for the parade.

Several area county fairs sent floats to advertise their events later in the summer. Gillespie County, Comal County and the San Antonio Rodeo all sent floats to be in the parade.

The biggest float went to the Cowboy Capital Regulators who threw beads and candy to the crowd. Several groups of wagon ride companies participated in the parade.

After an hour the Marshal's Office came through and marked the end of the event. Families packed up their umbrellas and lawn chairs. They moved along to cooler areas for lunch or visited the vendors on the courthouse lawn. The traditional signal that summer had begun was completed.