cowboy mardi gras

Hill Country SUN

By Ernie Altgelt
 Louisiana’s “Naw’Leans” might seem a long way (as the crow flies and culturally) from the Texas Hill Country’s acclaimed “Cowboy Capitol.” But come one wondrous weekend each February, something magical happens in iconic Bandera, where the distances seem to shrink and the differences start to blur—namely “Mardi Gras.”
Patterned after the Delta City’s historic fête, for the past six years, the legendary 11th Street Cowboy Bar has transformed itself (inside and out onto the street) into a cowboy and Cajun blend of fun and fantasy where cayenne-spiced gumbo and a Zydeco beat temporarily take center stage over the traditional Western-swing, Tex-Mex chili and jalapenos in a delightful celebration of all things Acadian.
Well, it’s that time again and the best news of all is, everyone is invited, Aeeee!
The 11th Street Cowboy Bar, a story unto itself, has been attracting locals and tourists alike for years with its authentic “Old West” ambiance, icy-cold beer, delicious chow and spacious dance floors powered by a cavalcade of first-string performers including such C&W hall-of-famers as Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Moe Bandy and other greats and near-greats.
Sprawling across two and a half appropriately appointed acres (open air and enclosed including two stages, multiple serving bars, a gift shop and ample seating), the 2,300-occupant venue lends itself to a variety of entertaining uses where the customers’ comfort and well-being are paramount and good times are almost always guaranteed.
As owner James McGroarty expresses, “There may be larger, more tricked-out dance halls and saloons than my 11th Street, but none with bigger ambitions, hence our motto ‘the biggest little bar in Texas.’ ”
“Cowboy Mardi Gras” (this is the full name of the annual 11th Street bar’s happening) was the brainchild of the establishment’s past owners who originally hailed from the Bayou State.
In 2002, they decided it would be fun to give greater Bandera a taste of what partying Louisiana style (albeit liberally seasoned with lots of cowboy) would be like. With that in mind, they whipped up a blended recipe that slipped in some Cajun music amongst the Texas classics, included a few special dishes and then encouraged participants to drape colorful beads over their western shirts and Stetsons and just let loose.
Attendees ate it up quicker than homemade jambalaya and it’s been going and growing ever since.
This year’s Cowboy Mardi Gras celebration (the seventh) has exploded into a two-day extravaganza encompassing a cash-prize gumbo cook-off, parade (featuring more than 130 entries including floats, antique cars, trucks, Harleys and, of course, cowboy’s and their horses), a costume contest, lots of great food and, especially music, music, music.
It all starts at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar Friday, February 5, with doors opening at 10 am. That evening, the event’s first dance gets underway.
Stepping up to the mic at 8:30 pm, high-energy Waylon Thibodeaux (Louisiana’s Rockin’ Fiddler) and his band take the stage and promise to get everyone in a Creole state of mind. Beverages and a limited menu will be available for purchase.
On Saturday morning (February 6), at 10 am, on a now closed-to-traffic 11th Street, eager competing cooks offer their custom gumbos to salivating, sharp-tongued Mardi Gras judges. Visitors will be welcome to partake of a taste or two as well.
Saddling up at noon, the must-see Cowboy Mardi Gras parade gets underway, snaking down Bandera’s Main Street then past the 11th Street Bar, followed by the 3 pm (always a hoot) costume contest where the bedecked and bedazzled seeking fame and recognition vie for top honors and prizes.
But, what’s a Mardi Gras party without its music?
Happily for those in attendance, at 12:30 pm, the acclaimed Herbie Stutes and the Grand Shin Band take the 11th Street stage for a couple of electrifying sets of Acadiana classics. Other, equally exciting acts are scheduled to follow, filling the afternoon with a blissful non-stop, toe-tapping sound.
Then, if that weren’t enough (and, it would be for most festivals), the Cowboy Mardi Gras culminates with a spectacular Saturday night big bash dance featuring none other than Louisiana’s undisputed accordion-master and “King of Cajun,” Jo-El Sonnier.
Opening acts will start warming the crowd up for the king at 8 pm, but it’s advisable to come early for a good seat. Beverages and food aplenty will again be available for purchase. And, as James stresses, “Mardi Gras dress is welcomed so wear your beads, bring your masks and just go Cajun!”
FYI • Cowboy Mardi Gras is February 5-6 in Bandera. The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is located in Bandera at 307 11th Street, one block west of Main Street. Parking at all of the Cowboy Mardi Gras events is free. Applications to participate in the contests and parade can be downloaded off the web site.
For information about the upcoming Cowboy Mardi Gras and other 11th Street events, including ticket pricing and directions, call 830-796-4849 or visit the web site at www.11thstreetcowboybar.com. Information is also available online at www.myspace.com/11thstreetcowboybar.

IIth Street Cowboy Bar owner James McGroarty and Stella Tedesco welcome you to the 7th Annual Cowboy Mardi Gras February 5-6 in Bandera. Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

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