2009-02-19

Who’s yo’ cher, bebé?’

By Judith Pannebaker

The Saints came marchin’ into Bandera and down Main Street, Saturday, Feb. 14, at noon and the Cowboy Mardi Gras Celebration was officially off and runnin’.

Make no mistake, however, it was clear several parties had been in progress prior to the parade’s kickoff. And who would blame anyone? Following shortly on the heels of the weekend’s revelry and merriment are 40 days of abstinence – for some, at least.

Like Topsy, this festival just “grows and grows.” Crowds lining Bandera’s main drag clamored for the multi-colored beads and, of all things, Moon Pies tossed by parade participants.

Cajun bands raged at every watering hole in the city, cranking out toe tappin’ tunes from Louisiana’s bayous. And the aroma of Acadian cookin’ wafted enticingly up and down Main.

The fun didn’t stop until waaaay after the witching hour, and the next day the only signs of the recent revelry were purple, green and gold feathers fluttering forlornly in the dust.

But, don’t cry for us, New Orleans. Bandera’s Cowboy Mardi Gras and les bon temps will be back next year – bigger, better and in all its glorious living color.

In addition, don’t be disappointed if your mug didn’t make it in this week’s edition of the Courier. Next week, we’ll publish even more images of what is rapidly becoming the colorful and brash of all Bandera’s bashes.