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Photos by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
July 9, 2024
Celebrating 1776 in the Cowboy Capital of the World
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
For the first time in more than three decades, Bandera celebrated Independence Day with a parade downtown.
Hosted by the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, with assistance from the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, 40 floats ranging from cars, trucks, horses and marching trick ropers were sparkling in red, white and blue, riders tossing candy and toys to cheering children lining Main Street. Several local businesses and restaurants reported a successful weekend, as parade watchers hung around Bandera to enjoy lunch and shopping after the big event.
“There’s no reason why the Fourth of July can’t be as big or bigger than our other holidays,” 11th Street Cowboy Bar Owner De Foster, the powerhouse behind the parade, said.
To honor the annual Pet Parade, sponsored by the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, and the American Legion Post 410 Parade and BBQ in Lakehills, both held July 4, the Bandera parade was scheduled for July 6 - extending the patriotic celebration. Plans are underway for the 2025 Bandera Independence Day parade.
“Next year we’re hoping a lot more people come,” Bandera County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director James Hernandez said, adding some fun and unique ideas are already on the table.
Hosted by the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, with assistance from the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce, 40 floats ranging from cars, trucks, horses and marching trick ropers were sparkling in red, white and blue, riders tossing candy and toys to cheering children lining Main Street. Several local businesses and restaurants reported a successful weekend, as parade watchers hung around Bandera to enjoy lunch and shopping after the big event.
“There’s no reason why the Fourth of July can’t be as big or bigger than our other holidays,” 11th Street Cowboy Bar Owner De Foster, the powerhouse behind the parade, said.
To honor the annual Pet Parade, sponsored by the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, and the American Legion Post 410 Parade and BBQ in Lakehills, both held July 4, the Bandera parade was scheduled for July 6 - extending the patriotic celebration. Plans are underway for the 2025 Bandera Independence Day parade.
“Next year we’re hoping a lot more people come,” Bandera County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director James Hernandez said, adding some fun and unique ideas are already on the table.