What do you think of when you hear the word cowboy? Do you think gallon hats and spurs, horses, and livestock, or maybe even a shootout in the town square? Perhaps it’s a combination of all the above. When it comes down to it, cowboys of the past, present, and future continue to personify the spirit, strength, and struggle of the American West.
National Day of the American Cowboy is a reminder that cowboy culture is still alive and well, and even thriving in areas all over this great nation. Falling annually on the fourth Saturday of every July, this day is viewed by many as a time to reflect on and honor the hard-working type of lifestyle and dedication that paved the way for life as we know it.
Here in Bandera, a.k.a. The Cowboy Capital of the World, we take the word “cowboy” seriously. Times may not be quite as rough and rowdy as they were decades ago, but it’s important that we remember where we came from. Our foundation of cowboy and Western culture has shaped who and where we stand today. Bandera officially earned the title “Cowboy Capital of the World” back in 2005, but it originally gained the nickname back in the late 1800s, when our little town was known as a staging area for the last great cattle drives of history. While some other Texan towns claim the title, Bandera is the only true one that is regionally recognized by multiple affiliations.
Here is a sneak peek of some of the things you might stumble across if you find yourself riding into town on July 22, 2023!
Bandera will be hootin’n’hollerin’ with all types of cowboy Western events this weekend!
Starting off with a bang, we’ve got five different chances for you to catch an old-school gunfight! Expect to see and interact with a sample of the Old West cowboy lifestyle on Bandera’s Main Street. Hosted by the Bandera Business Association. Come sit on “Redneck” the Longhorn for a selfie. Visit Kelly Scott and his Chuckwagon. Take a ride in Ron Dakota’s Horse Drawn Wagon. See gunfights at 10am and 12pm and listen to cowboy music by the Cowboy Capital Troubadour at the Western Trail Heritage Park.
Watch in awe as local cowboy Roy Dugosh and his partners in crime stir up some trouble at the Western Heritage Plaza during Cowboys on Main at 10am and 12pm, as well as one final showdown around 2pm at the Bandera General Store. But don’t stop there, because Bandera Cattle Company has two showdowns of their own, taking place at a little place called Rattle Snake Ridge, located at the back of Bandera’s Visitor Center. Catch both groups of rough and rowdy rustlers kickin’ up dust all around gunfighters, trick ropers, wagon rides, food, games, and more. Everything kicks off Saturday morning on The Courthouse Lawn with a Cowboy Breakfast and then wraps up that night at Historic Mansfield Park Arena for a good old-fashioned rodeo.
Remember to visit Hyo Silver’s Historic Downtown Showroom, picturesquely sitting at the corner of 11th and Cedar streets. It’s just a quick stroll up the street from all the weekend fun. So — what are you waiting for? At Hyo Silver, we believe in signature style, all things Texas, and celebrating momentous milestones with greatness. And there’s no better way to showcase these bold ideals than with a custom belt buckle—from Hyo Silver, of course. Saddle up and stop on by and say “Howdy!”
