Cowboy Capital Christmas

For the first time in years, Bandera pulled together to put on a Christmas parade, and it was spectacular. Most every entry was decorated with lights, blow up figures and well-costumed holiday themed characters.

The crowd began filling the route early as they snuggled beneath their blankets waiting for the start.

Children waited anxiously for the parade to begin, wriggling in their lawn chairs, or bobbing at the end of a mother’s arm. Even the big kids strolled along Main Street greeting friends and looking for family.

This was the 30th annual parade sponsored by the Bandera Business Association. Previous years’ inclement weather kept few folks from venturing downtown.

The Shoppers’ Jubilee began early in the day and culminated in the parade after dark. It was a perfect ending to a day full of visitors crowding town shopping, strolling along Main Street and touring the city in old-fashioned wagons.

Before the parade, kids ran around with glowing toys and played with abandon. Moms with little ones held on tight to make sure no one got lost in the crowd.

People lined up on the route and in some areas were two or three rows deep. Most people were attending to see the parade, and few were indulging in “adult beverages.” It was a festive, albeit mild, crowd, perfect for a family event. Like any Bandera parade, the state and national flags carried horseback came first down the route. Then a multitude of holiday themed floats followed. Nearly every entry was lit. A few were so bright that no Christmas lights were needed.

Santa and the Grinch rode on the floats together and separately. The Grinch, however, landed in jail on county sheriff’s candidate Will Dietrich’s float.

The Bandera High School Star Steppers carried their iconic stars and glittered in the headlights as they marched down the route.

With an unusual take on the Christmas theme Dr. Randi Mellon’s float had a Christmas sleigh pulled by teeth, wait did I just say that? It was a punny float to say the least and something not just dentists enjoyed.

A variety of local businesses were represented in the parade. The competition for the most decorated float was tight. Santa operated a skid steer and drove Harleys down Main.

Horseback riders were costumed as Mr. and Mrs. Klaus. The Grinch turned up everywhere and made “mean faces” at the young ones. Trucks, horses, ATV’s, motorcycles, bicycles and other home crafted vehicles made a beautiful display with an abundance of Christmas decorations.

Of note were the highly decorated VW Bugs that brought presents and a snowman to town. With the backdrop of the lighted courthouse and the courthouse lawn filled with spot lighted Western nativity figures, this wonderful spectacle will not be forgotten for a long time. As the crowd finally straggled away, the cheerful lights dimmed but the holiday spirit found in Bandera didn’t fade.