Cowboy Mardi Gras-Bandera, TX

I wasn't able to be at Mardi Gras for Fat Tuesday, but I got to be at the next best thing, Cowboy Mardi Gras, Bandera Style.

I missed the Thursday celebrations, but made to the Friday afternoon party at 11th Street Cowboy Bar.  The Toman Brothers were playing, with a few real cajun's helping out with the spoons and the washboard.

Enough said.

Everyone and everything celebrates around here.

We are ready to party, Mardi Gras style.

Hey, here's another washboard player.

Reuben and the Revolutions, from the Houston area, played Friday night.

Saturday morning was the Gumbo cookoff.  Over a dozen gumbo chefs made their best creations.  I bought six tickets, but only tried five.  (I went back for seconds at one booth)

The decorations were festive.

But best of all was the costumes.

Before the parade, the revelers are getting ready.  On Friday afternoon, I helped decorate this float for the Cowboy Bar.  What a great bunch of people in this town!

I loved Kathy's boots.  She did it herself.

As I said, the costumes were great.

Chuck Levert was all ready in his costume.

This is part 1.  The rest of the party will be in the next blog.