Cowboy Capital celebrates Cowboy Mardi Gras

Bandera’s population swelled as over 100 parade entries passed along Main Street in the 18th annual Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade.

People began staking claim to spots along Main the night before as they parked their vehicles to get a good spot from which to watch the festivities.

As the day dawned bright and breezy, parade goers wrapped up tight in blankets and coats as they waited for the line up to get started. Some, however, choose to wear their party attire regardless of the weather.

As the parade began, a Dixieland band led off the festivities and got everyone in the mood with their jazzy tunes. Then came Grand Marshals James and Stella McGroarty in a convertible Mustang GT. Always dressed for Mardi Gras success, the McGroarty’s waved at the crowd in their brightly colored outfits.

The citizens on the sidelines waited eagerly for the first beads to be thrown. As floats passed by, they threw not only beads but all manner of trinkets like koozies, candy, Jello shots, t-shirts, Moon Pies, frisbees, and coins.

The adults and children attending scooped up the loot as quickly as it was thrown. The adults picked up the beads as inexpensive mementos of their time in Bandera.

The costumes worn by visitors at the parade varied from just a hint of purple and green to full outfits of sequins and feathers.

Many had worked hard making sure they drew attention to their festive gear. One cowboy had taken a pair of old boots and glued multi-colored balls all over. The outcome was an outstanding example of costume creation and perfect for a festive Mardi Gras costume.

A few ladies sported genuine Mardi Gras parade outfits with head pieces that would have made Vegas showgirls proud. Clearly their experiences with Mardi Gras costuming went far beyond the average.

Horses, ATV’s, jeeps, and four wheelers all came decorated with purple and green fringe and all manner of festive garland. Some even had alligators and skeletons riding along on the floats to give the parade some New Orleans flavor.

The parade floats consisted of local businesses, political parties, family groups and clubs. The chamber announced each float as it passed by the courthouse.

The crowd overflowed onto the street, inching closer to the action.

As the parade wound down, the crowd slowly melted away from Main Street. Some groups still sitting in lawn chairs sat chatting as the afternoon wore on. Others went on to view the marketplace on the Courthouse lawn, perhaps shopping for the perfect Valentine’s gift. Still others began their celebration early by visiting Bandera’s many bars and restaurants.

Cowboy Mardi Gras had once again come to Bandera.