Cowboys celebrated in their own capital
Will Fitzpatrick performs rope tricks for the National Day of the American Cowboy Celebration last Saturday. The event was hosted by the Bandera Business Association and featured a variety of attractions, including a free rodeo later in the evening. BULLE
The National Day of the American Cowboy (NDAC) was celebrated in many places throughout the U.S. last weekend, but its heart and home are in the Cowboy Capital of the World: Bandera.
NDAC was created by the US Senate on July 23, 2005, to remember and appreciate a historical time for one day.
In Bandera cowboys (and cowgirls) still live the western life with horses, western clothes like hats, boots, and more.
Those genuine cowboys and cowgirls are a big part of bringing more than one million visitors a year to Bandera, said Tammie Jones with the Bandera Business Association, which runs the event.
Bandera’s celebration ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and was followed by a free rodeo hosted by Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship later that evening.
A seven-person family made the 331-mile, five-hour hour trip from Beaumont to enjoy the western atmosphere.
Mom Bianca Falcon said the ay, was just great adventure especially for the two five-year-olds.
The event was held at the Bandera Courthouse lawn, and kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with a free cowboy breakfast from Kelly.
The very popular Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters performed, followed by local and cowboy musicians.
Other events included the John Wayne hat toss, Old Fashioned Kids’ Fun, Dr. Bob’s Medicine Show, art and crafts and much more.
For a special, large gallery of photos from the event, visit the Bulletin’s Facebook page!