This morning, as we drove past the Frontier Times Museum and saw the remnants of the American Cowboy celebration that was held last night, we couldn't help but feel sorry for the homeowners that lived behind the museum. Right out their bedroom window were 50+ revelers enjoying the food, music and lively conversation till who knows, what hour of the night.

Then our discussion turned to the neighbors of the 11th St. Bar with neighbors behind, and alongside it. It becomes especially loud when they have special events, such as chili cook-offs, cabrito cook-offs, that spill out into the street.

The City of Bandera has taken steps to help the homeowner's in the city by enforcing a noise ordinance. I'm sure this helps put limits on businesses like the 11th St. Bar, but does little to stop the huge intrusion that special events like the Cowboy Celebration put upon it's citizens. Music and revelry are a huge part of Bandera, past and future, banning these  events would be harmful to the city as a whole.  So what is the solution, you ask?  Is it ear plugs for all its citizens? Grin and bear it for the good of the city? I'm not sure if this has been tried before, but don't other cities use zoning as a way to buffer residential properties from commercial enterprises?

All the saloons, hotels, restaurants and event facilities could  be designated at the center of town, and offices and clinics and the like be in a buffer zone between residential and bars and dance halls. This is pretty simplistic on my part, but hopefully you get my drift.  This way, revelers won't be passing out in someone's front yard- ya hope.