2009-12-03

Bandera gears up for 29th annual CB Christmas & Shoppers’ Jubilee

Contributed

This time of year brings visions of bustling shoppers seeking out perfect gifts for loved ones. Or perhaps choirs of “little angels” bundled up in sweaters and caps, spreading holiday cheer and cups of hot chocolate. For others, this season reminds them of a special “Silent Night.”

Whether your memories come from strains of “Silver Bells” made popular by Bing Crosby in the ‘50s, or your favorite version of “Away in a Manger,” one thing is certain – it’s that time of year!
On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, the Bandera Business Association, in conjunction with local merchants, celebrate the holiday season, which officially begins at 4:30 pm, Friday, Dec. 4, on the courthouse lawn.

The traditional Bandera Christmas kicks off with performances by students of Noah’s Ark Daycare, Ms. Rhetta’s School of Dance and the Bandera Athletic Academy, among others. The Pipe Creek Christian School children will present a Living Nativity Scene against a musical background of classical Christmas songs performed by the First Baptist Church choir, under the direction of Ray McLeaird.

Irma Gomez will again offer her timeless version of “Mary Did You Know?” and the talented Kemp Family Singers will also perform. The festivities at the courthouse complex culminate with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa has agreed to stop by Bandera on his way to the North Pole to check on the area’s good little girls and boys.

The fun doesn’t stop there, however. Friday’s holiday spirit continues with Shopper’s Jubilee, which follows the Christmas program.

Local shops will stay open late, enticing shoppers with free sweets and chocolaty treats. Additionally, shoppers will be serenaded by some of Bandera’s finest musicians, caroling up and down Main Street. This year’s musical artists include the Dave Kemp Family, Lee Haile Family, Art & Lisa and Lee Harmon, as well as select members of the Bandera High School Band and Choir and the First Baptist Church Choir.

On Highway 16 South, between Bandera and Pipe Creek, Eva Lee, proprietress of Country Accents, will celebrate her 18th annual Christmas in the Hill County from 10 am until 6 pm will treats and special holiday discounts on her fabulous antiques and decorative items.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the first float in the annual Cowboy Capital Christmas Parade heads up Main Street at 11 am. Line-up begins at approximately 9:30 am. Anyone interested in participating should call 830-796-3280. Spectators are advised to bundle up nice and warm and bring a mug full of their favorite steaming beverage as no one wants to miss this parade.

From 10 am until 5 pm, members of the Bandera County Artists Association will hold a Holiday Art Show and Sale at Texaritas at the corner of Main and Oak streets. Artwork in various media will be on sale.

On Saturday evening, the festivities continue with the Cowboy Campfire Christmas in Bandera City Park along the banks of the beautiful Medina River. Thousands of twinkling Christmas lights turn the park into a veritable holiday fairyland. Around the campfire, Lee Haile will entertain the crowd with his favorite Christmas stories, and The Kemp Family Singers transport everyone back in time with their old time Christmas melodies.

Pastor Cliff Hargrove of the Western Heritage Cowboy Church offers Cowboy Christmas stories and the Bandera Riverside Players, under the direction of Salle Ellis and Dennis Thompson will present a moving rendition of The Christmas Story. Everyone is urged to bring your lawn chair and a box of tissues or a hanky as the beautiful story rarely leaves an eye dry eye.

“Come be blessed by what Bandera Business Association has to offer you this Christmas and holiday season,” said a spokesman for the event. For more information on the events or how commercial business and nonprofit organizations can participate in the river lighting project, contact Genie Strickland at 830-796-4447.

Additionally, so not to miss any of the events taking place throughout December, be sure to pick up a copy of the Bandera County Courier’s Cowboy Christmas special supplement, available at merchants throughout the county.