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April 26, 2021
RiverFest on the Ranch
Popular event to host its 24th year at the Twin Elm Ranch
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Always the last Saturday in June, this year’s RiverFest is the same time and same day as it has been the last 23 times, but this year, its 24th, the popular summer event will take place at a new venue. On Saturday, June 26, the Ranch RiverFest will celebrate its inaugural partnership with the Twin Elm Ranch.
Bandera Business Association Board President Cindy Beckham said she’s excited to hold the event at the Twin Elm Ranch, and guests can expect most of the traditional activities RiverFest is known for - plus more.
“We will have the car show, many vendors, the barbecue cook-off, live music and bands. We’ll have lots of kids’ activities, and we’re also looking at some different things for them to do,” Beckham said.
Traditionally held at Bandera City Park, Beckham said the BBA and the city were unable to reach a mutual agreement for use of the park. She said the city had asked for a larger percentage of the proceeds, in addition to operating fees, making the bottom line for use of the park too expensive.
“The BBA is a non-profit and does not have a lot of money,” Beckham said, adding RiverFest is how the BBA generates funds for National Day of the American Cowboy, Cowboys on Main and the Christmas programs. “The city was way over what we could afford.”
So, Beckham said, the board voted last Thursday to go with Plan B.
“The Twin Elm Ranch was gracious and we are so thankful to them for working with us. They have Medina River access and more than five acres of useful space for us. And there is lots of room for parking and sponsors’ signage,” Beckham said. “We’re happy, and we’re hoping our sponsors and our community will support us. I know it’s going to be a really nice event.”
The Twin Elm Ranch is at 810 FM 470 in Bandera. They offer RV parking, lodging and horseback riding for Riverfest visitors, and they’re making reservations now. RiverFest wristbands are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, and to download RiverFest entry forms, go to the BBA’s new website: www. banderabusiness.com.
Bandera Business Association Board President Cindy Beckham said she’s excited to hold the event at the Twin Elm Ranch, and guests can expect most of the traditional activities RiverFest is known for - plus more.
“We will have the car show, many vendors, the barbecue cook-off, live music and bands. We’ll have lots of kids’ activities, and we’re also looking at some different things for them to do,” Beckham said.
Traditionally held at Bandera City Park, Beckham said the BBA and the city were unable to reach a mutual agreement for use of the park. She said the city had asked for a larger percentage of the proceeds, in addition to operating fees, making the bottom line for use of the park too expensive.
“The BBA is a non-profit and does not have a lot of money,” Beckham said, adding RiverFest is how the BBA generates funds for National Day of the American Cowboy, Cowboys on Main and the Christmas programs. “The city was way over what we could afford.”
So, Beckham said, the board voted last Thursday to go with Plan B.
“The Twin Elm Ranch was gracious and we are so thankful to them for working with us. They have Medina River access and more than five acres of useful space for us. And there is lots of room for parking and sponsors’ signage,” Beckham said. “We’re happy, and we’re hoping our sponsors and our community will support us. I know it’s going to be a really nice event.”
The Twin Elm Ranch is at 810 FM 470 in Bandera. They offer RV parking, lodging and horseback riding for Riverfest visitors, and they’re making reservations now. RiverFest wristbands are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, and to download RiverFest entry forms, go to the BBA’s new website: www. banderabusiness.com.