Classic Cars, Horseback Riders & Community Spiri

The Bandera Memorial Day Parade attracted one of the largest audiences of the year, second only to the Mardi Gras Parade.

This year’s parade surpassed all expectations, featuring an impressive lineup of sixty-nine entries from the Bandera community and the San Antonio area.

Citizens flocked to the streets to witness the spectacle, which included a dazzling array of antique and classic cars, trucks, horseback riders, and a sizable contingent of Shriners.

To add to the excitement, two monster trucks joined the parade, alongside heavy equipment entries. Almost every participant in the parade generously distributed sweets, resulting in a candy haul for youngsters that rivalled that of Easter or Halloween.

While many parade-goers comfortably sat in lawn chairs along Main Street, others erected canopies to seek shade from the sun. The event attracted families with toddlers, teenagers, twenty- somethings, middle-aged parents, and seniors, with well over three thousand people attending. Even a drone made a special appearance, capturing aerial footage of the parade.

In addition to candy, parade entries distributed flags, koozies, and toothbrushes. Dr. Randi Mellon, a new dentist in town, provided dental kits for children to use after indulging in their candy feast, ensuring dental health was not overlooked during the celebrations. The Memorial Day Parade truly had something for everyone.

The American Water Well truck added a refreshing touch to the festivities, as a group of children on the float playfully used squirt guns to spray the crowd. Despite the temperate 82-degree weather, the water brought a welcome coolness to the enthusiastic onlookers.

An exceptional float from the Bandera Electric Coop showcased the important work of BEC linemen. Three dedicated BEC volunteers climbed poles attached to the float, offering a glimpse into the real-life experiences of these hardworking individuals.

The parade route was graced by several royal courts from neighboring counties, including queens and princesses from the Gillespie County Fair, Helotes’ Cornyval, the Comal County fair, and the Kendall County Fair.

These esteemed guests delighted the crowd with authentic pageant waves, and upon hearing frequent requests of “show us your boots,” they proudly lifted their hems, showcasing their stylish footwear.

Adding a new element of excitement this year were the speed boat entries, their powerful engines emitting a rumble that reverberated along the parade route. The audience could feel the massive vibrations in the air as the boats zoomed past, leaving an indelible impression.

Ron and Sharon Forbes, residents of Pipe Creek, expressed their delight at attending the Memorial Day Parade for the first time.

“I liked it. It was long, too. My favorite part is the horses,” remarked Sharon, as they eagerly observed the parade from their lawn chairs in front of the courthouse.

Following the nearly hourlong parade, some members of the audience stayed to socialize or enjoy tailgating. A sizable crowd made their way to Bandera Market Days to peruse the diverse array of items for sale.

Many locals and their furry companions strolled along Main Street, taking breaks to savor local cuisine or support local businesses.

The weekend continued with two more rodeos and outstanding cowboy music at various local establishments. Not a single person left Bandera dissatisfied with the exceptional family entertainment provided by the parade.