Bandera community members and visitors gathered Saturday along Main Street in the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World” for the annual Memorial Day Weekend Parade to honor fallen veterans.
Some tailgated, and some wore costumes to show their support as members of local businesses, sports teams, and nonprofits drove decorated vehicles, floats, and horses along the street, throwing confetti and treats at the crowd.
The parade was part of the Bandera ProRodeo, now in its 38th year, which opened Friday and ends Sunday night. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association-sanctioned event was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Events at Mansfield Park Arena include rodeo competitions for women, men, and children.
Bandera has a long history of rodeos and cattle drives. The city of fewer than 1,000 people used to be the starting point of the Great Western Cattle Trail in the late 19th century, attracting cowboys from far and wide.
The family-friendly event is produced by Rafter G Rodeo, which has been producing rodeos since 1957.
