Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
August 29, 2023
Bandera City Council Notes
Council members think ahead to October, Bandera City Park events
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Looking ahead to cooler days and costumes, Bandera City Council members approved moving forward with Nightmare on Maple, though the Marshal’s Office may dig down a few years to help restore its original spirit.
In its early days, the fall function was held in front of Bandera City Hall, with collaboration from multiple law enforcement agencies, for National Night Out - a state-wide community-building campaign that supports law enforcement and neighborhood partnerships.
Since then, the city-sponsored event has grown exponentially, becoming a county-wide destination every Oct. 31. To accomodate the hundreds of families who arrive, the party was moved to Bandera City Park. Through the combined efforts of the city, Bandera County Boys and Girls Club, area businesses, churches and countless volunteers, the park is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza with trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, costume contests, free food, entertainment, games and more.
During their regular meeting last Tuesday, City Administrator Richard Morton said Marshal Nancy De Foster would like to reincorporate National Night Out as a prevalent theme into the festivities. Estimated to cost about $5,000, Morton said all of the funds to be used were generated by donations specifically for the event.
~ Council also approved changing the signage at City Park, defining specific open and closing hours. Currently, the ordinance states the park closes at dusk, plus 30 minutes. Morton said the Marshal’s Office preferred to set the hours of operation to a strict 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. timeframe year-round.
Council Member Lynn Palmer queried whether the hours should fluctuate seasonally, due to daylight savings time. Ultimately, she said if any issues arise with an 8 p.m. closing time in the winter months, when it gets darker earlier, De Foster could come back to council.
Council Member Jeff Flowers said he would approve of the hours if the marshal was comfortable, and he was supportive with the more consistent approach.
~ In other business, council members discussed the possibility of opening Bandera City Park to parking, and whether overnight camping should be allowed for the upcoming annular and total eclipse events.
“We don’t have the facilities for overnight camping,” Palmer said, adding she believed it was too late to plan anything for October’s annular eclipse.
Mayor Rebeca Gibson said primitive camping options could bring financial benefit to the city, as well as encourage visitors to stay off the roads, which may be congested. She said the city could promote the opportunity as a “come for the sun, stay for the stars,” event.
Though it is undecided whether tents will be permitted, RVs were ruled out, due to the damage they cause on the grounds.
“If it’s wet, we would spend months fixing the tracks,” Public Works Supervisor Terry Wells said.
Thus far, Morton said more than 50 volunteers had signed up to help with organizing, disseminating information, and mitigating the expected crowds.
“We have to be prepared to clean up afterwards,” Morton said, adding the city crew does “an amazing job” cleaning up after other large events held within the city.
~ Six candidates have filed for the November election. Incumbent Tony Battle, Manny Longoria, Victor Vrazel, Debbie Breen, Cindy Lou Coffey and Brett Hicks will vie for three available seats, currently held by Battle, Longoria and Christine Morse.
A drawing for a place on the ballot, based on application filing order, will be Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 9 a.m., at City Hall.
In its early days, the fall function was held in front of Bandera City Hall, with collaboration from multiple law enforcement agencies, for National Night Out - a state-wide community-building campaign that supports law enforcement and neighborhood partnerships.
Since then, the city-sponsored event has grown exponentially, becoming a county-wide destination every Oct. 31. To accomodate the hundreds of families who arrive, the party was moved to Bandera City Park. Through the combined efforts of the city, Bandera County Boys and Girls Club, area businesses, churches and countless volunteers, the park is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza with trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, costume contests, free food, entertainment, games and more.
During their regular meeting last Tuesday, City Administrator Richard Morton said Marshal Nancy De Foster would like to reincorporate National Night Out as a prevalent theme into the festivities. Estimated to cost about $5,000, Morton said all of the funds to be used were generated by donations specifically for the event.
~ Council also approved changing the signage at City Park, defining specific open and closing hours. Currently, the ordinance states the park closes at dusk, plus 30 minutes. Morton said the Marshal’s Office preferred to set the hours of operation to a strict 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. timeframe year-round.
Council Member Lynn Palmer queried whether the hours should fluctuate seasonally, due to daylight savings time. Ultimately, she said if any issues arise with an 8 p.m. closing time in the winter months, when it gets darker earlier, De Foster could come back to council.
Council Member Jeff Flowers said he would approve of the hours if the marshal was comfortable, and he was supportive with the more consistent approach.
~ In other business, council members discussed the possibility of opening Bandera City Park to parking, and whether overnight camping should be allowed for the upcoming annular and total eclipse events.
“We don’t have the facilities for overnight camping,” Palmer said, adding she believed it was too late to plan anything for October’s annular eclipse.
Mayor Rebeca Gibson said primitive camping options could bring financial benefit to the city, as well as encourage visitors to stay off the roads, which may be congested. She said the city could promote the opportunity as a “come for the sun, stay for the stars,” event.
Though it is undecided whether tents will be permitted, RVs were ruled out, due to the damage they cause on the grounds.
“If it’s wet, we would spend months fixing the tracks,” Public Works Supervisor Terry Wells said.
Thus far, Morton said more than 50 volunteers had signed up to help with organizing, disseminating information, and mitigating the expected crowds.
“We have to be prepared to clean up afterwards,” Morton said, adding the city crew does “an amazing job” cleaning up after other large events held within the city.
~ Six candidates have filed for the November election. Incumbent Tony Battle, Manny Longoria, Victor Vrazel, Debbie Breen, Cindy Lou Coffey and Brett Hicks will vie for three available seats, currently held by Battle, Longoria and Christine Morse.
A drawing for a place on the ballot, based on application filing order, will be Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 9 a.m., at City Hall.