Ring of Fire eclipse brings visitors to Bandera

Bandera rolled out the red carpet for eclipse viewers and visitors last Saturday.

October 14 dawned cool and slightly cloudy which was a relief after recent temps in the 90’s.

The town was well prepared for visitors and plenty of amenities were available.

The preparations were exceptional, but no large crowds appeared to congest city streets or overwhelm city resources. It was a busy Saturday in Bandera, with crowds similar to a holiday weekend or a biker rally.

People from all over the United States had come to the area to view the eclipse. They pulled over into vacant parking lots, sat alongside Main Street, sat outside at local eateries and bars or viewed the event from Mansfield Park.

They came from locations including Los Angeles, San Diego, New Jersey, Mississippi, Florida, and New York. Residents of Bandera, Leander, Austin, and San Antonio also came to see the eclipse.

Concern for the weather was high among the viewers’ priorities. Jordan from Leader said his group was headed for Corpus Christi but saw that the weather predicted cloudy skies there. They diverted to Bandera and were rewarded with great views.

“We were lucky that the clouds parted,” he said, delighted that they stopped in Bandera.

Jessica from Austin described the event as “fantastic.”

Most viewers were “laid back” and brought snacks, jackets for the windy cooler weather, and lawn chairs. Everywhere with a view of the sky had a couple of cars with groups waiting for the event.

A viewer from San Diego at the Mansfield Park location remarked that “this event was sweet.”

Bandera hosted the event, and it seemed inevitable that local businesses would profit. Immediately after the event, out of towners began canvassing locals asking for places to grab a late breakfast or lunch.

A raucous group of women took pictures of one of their crew riding the longhorn at City Park on Main Street.

Quite a few visitors chose to stroll down the sidewalk on Main Street and window shop after the event was over.

No one seemed disappointed in the viewing in Bandera. Jes from San Antonio smiled and reported that she thought the event was “awesome.”

Quite a few groups stopped at the empty Alkek Elementary parking lot to set up and view the event over the southeast horizon.

There was no lack of cameras, photographic equipment, and electronics to be seen at this event.

Many kept watch on the eclipse through long range lenses of highly technical camera equipment. Most had paper viewing glasses though, and even one gentleman seemed to be viewing the event through a pinhole in a piece of paper.

Even though this event was highly advertised, most of the participants seemed to be middle- aged adults or senior citizens. Very few youngsters were visible in town.

A Bandera County Sheriff reported that while Bandera was quiet, Lost Maples State Park was full. At last report, local RV parks still had spaces for rent.

The next eclipse will be on Monday, April 8, 2024, and will be a total eclipse where the moon completely covers the sun. The best viewing area will again be in the Texas Hill Country.

Many more guests are expected to attend this celestial event. Solar eclipse glasses are still available around town at various businesses and BEC. Never view a solar eclipse without appropriate eye protection.