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Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
March 19, 2025
Bandera City Council discusses parade safety protocol
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera City Council members discussed parade protocol, noting some safety concerns during last month’s Cowboy Mardi Gras parade.
“Everyone wanted to get the beads…all the kids wanted the candy. Adults and children were running out into the middle of Main Street,” City Countil Member Lynn Palmer said last Tuesday, adding the frenzy created long gaps between the 120 float entries. She asked if more law enforcement should be present during parades to help prevent delays, ensure safety and keep people off the road.
City Marshal Earl Heidelberg said officers were blocking streets to prevent cars from driving through, and he didn’t have enough manpower to manage both traffic and crowd control. Council Member Debbie Breen said the most extreme swarming was in the first block of Main Street.
“It wasn’t just kids, but parents and vendors. I do believe something needs to be done. They were out of control,” Breen said.
Council Member Jeff Flowers proposed additional law enforcement or barricades as possible solutions, suggesting a workshop to further discuss the matter. Palmer said the Memorial Day Parade was fast approaching, and recommended the city and Chamber of Commerce issue safety public service announcements in the interim.
“I definitely want to keep having parades...we need to get the word out to not allow people to go out into the street like that,” Palmer said.
In other business, council members unanimously approved a five-year lease renewal with BFI Waste/Republic Services of San Antonio.
The city’s existing contract with the waste management company expires in October. The residential rate is $19.73 for one 90-gallon tote.
There was discussion regarding recycling and hazardous waste pickup, neither of which is currently an option, but could be negotiated in the future. Bulk pick-up twice per year is included in the contract.
“I’ve been very satisfied with Republic Service after all these years,” Palmer said.
“Everyone wanted to get the beads…all the kids wanted the candy. Adults and children were running out into the middle of Main Street,” City Countil Member Lynn Palmer said last Tuesday, adding the frenzy created long gaps between the 120 float entries. She asked if more law enforcement should be present during parades to help prevent delays, ensure safety and keep people off the road.
City Marshal Earl Heidelberg said officers were blocking streets to prevent cars from driving through, and he didn’t have enough manpower to manage both traffic and crowd control. Council Member Debbie Breen said the most extreme swarming was in the first block of Main Street.
“It wasn’t just kids, but parents and vendors. I do believe something needs to be done. They were out of control,” Breen said.
Council Member Jeff Flowers proposed additional law enforcement or barricades as possible solutions, suggesting a workshop to further discuss the matter. Palmer said the Memorial Day Parade was fast approaching, and recommended the city and Chamber of Commerce issue safety public service announcements in the interim.
“I definitely want to keep having parades...we need to get the word out to not allow people to go out into the street like that,” Palmer said.
In other business, council members unanimously approved a five-year lease renewal with BFI Waste/Republic Services of San Antonio.
The city’s existing contract with the waste management company expires in October. The residential rate is $19.73 for one 90-gallon tote.
There was discussion regarding recycling and hazardous waste pickup, neither of which is currently an option, but could be negotiated in the future. Bulk pick-up twice per year is included in the contract.
“I’ve been very satisfied with Republic Service after all these years,” Palmer said.