America loves its cowboys. Those ruggedly independent, straight shooters who can ride, rope, throw and tie (and never tell a lie) have been publicly celebrated in countless ways since the cattle culture of the Old West first thundered across the prairies. In paintings and on film, in histories and novels alike, and especially at rodeos and other daring demonstrations, these (past and present) hard riders of the round up still generate awe and admiration for their remarkable skills and abilities and, perhaps even more importantly, for their many contributions to America’s rough and tumble evolution. As a symbol of national appreciation, in 2005, President George W. Bush and the United States Congress authorized that the fourth Saturday in July be officially designated “The National Day of the American Cowboy.” In 2010, this very special commemoration will fall on Saturday, July 24 and, fortunately for denim-clad devotees in the Texas Hill Country and beyond, no community (anywhere) has planned a bigger, better or more appropriate tribute than the Lone Star State’s (aptly named) “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera. Just to be sure, they plan a kick-off Ranch Rodeo on Friday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Mansfield Park.

Come Saturday morning, like any busy “Day” (and Bandera’s NDAC will be busy), it’s best to get started with a hearty breakfast. With that in mind, early attendees are encouraged to follow the beckoning aromas from an open cooking fire to the spacious Bandera County Courthouse lawn (centrally located on the town’s iconic Main Street). Beginning at 8:00 a.m. (and for a modest $5.00 a head), a chuck wagon will begin serving that perennial cow camp favorite – warm, moist and extremely flavorful Dutch oven-baked biscuits ladled with generous dollops of homemade gravy. Gallons of fresh-brewed coffee complete this very satisfying, and sustaining, morning repast.

When the courthouse clock strikes 9:00 a.m. (and lasting until 4:00 p.m.) Bandera’s NDAC salute continues with a rip-roaring bang as the shade-dappled lawn plays host to an exciting variety of cow town characters guaranteed to entertain and amaze one and all. Visitors will delight to myriad trick ropers, storytellers, musicians, gunfighters (shooting blanks), leather carvers, mounted riders, blacksmiths, and even roaming longhorns – all seemingly right out of the 1880s. Additional activities scheduled include the always-popular stick-horse races, cow chip tossing and a children’s cowboy dress-up area. On hand and accessible throughout the festivities will be many of Bandera’s own world-class, champion rodeo cowboys.

For many, the highlight of the occasion will be the Western arts and crafts “General Store Market.” Savvy shoppers will delight to the works of more than 25 talented artisans displaying their wares and creations. Countless decorative, practical or “just plain fun” handcrafted, Western-themed items (priced for all budgets) will be available for purchase. Then, at high noon, true cowboy aficionados will want to gather to witness the 2010 inaugural inductions into the museum’s Texas Heroes Hall of Honor. During this stirring ceremony, six notable individuals will be recognized (some posthumously) for their personal accomplishments in bettering their home state of Texas. This year inductees include the likes of Red Steagall (cowboy poet), Buck Taylor (artist and actor), Polly Carpio Rodrigues (posthumously, a Texas Ranger, Indian Fighter and Methodist Minister) , Bill Picket (posthumously, a steer dogger well known for biting the lip while doggen a steer) and Don and Judy Hicks (owners of the Mayan Dude Ranch the first State of Texas ranch to begin a successful marketing campaign in Europe in the 1960’s that help change the tourism industry for Texas).

At 7:00 p.m. the NDAC action shifts to spacious Mansfield Park on Highway 16 just north of downtown. Finally, as the perfect grand finale befitting of this very special cowboy commemoration, the day’s activities will conclude at the park’s arena with a genuine, bronco-busting, team-roping, “Frontier Times Ranch Rodeo” – a qualifier for the “South Texas Ranch Rodeo” finals. If you have never seen a “ranch rodeo” you are in for a treat. Cowboys enter in teams of 5 and each team competes in ranch style skills like roping, branding, wild cow milking, bronc saddling, team roping and more. The multi-event, top-hand competition begins at 7:00 p.m. and promises to be quite a show, so don’t be late. There is a $10.00 admission fee for adults, $6.00 for children six- to 12-years-old and free to cowpokes five and under.

For additional information about Bandera’s “National Day of the American Cowboy” celebration on Friday July 23rd and Saturday, July 24th , including the purchase of advanced tickets to the rodeo, visit the museum’s Web site at: www.frontiertimesmuseum.com. Interested parties can also call (830) 796-4447. Proceeds benefit the Frontier Times Museum, a non-profit organization. There are no admission fees to the courthouse areas and parking is free at all events. Personal lawn chairs are welcome at the courthouse and park.