Picture this: it's 4:30 A.M., there's a forecast of heavy rain throughout the San Antonio area, and there's an open-air breakfast being offered to you, free-of-charge at a location that's probably 20 miles or more from where you reside. Do you attend? Probably not. But the adverse conditions didn't affect approximately 50,000 residents from San Antonio and nearby towns, many of whom attend the annual Cowboy Breakfast about this time every year, in spite of the adverse weather conditions that almost always prevail at what has become a San Antonio tradition. Hailed as the unofficial opening of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, the popular event annually sends the San Antonio Spurs packing for a nine-game road trip while the rodeo folks take over their home at the AT&T Center.
This year's event, which was the 32nd anniversary of the popular breakfast, was held this past Friday in the parking lot of the Cowboy Dance Hall in northeast San Antonio. The menu consisted of breakfast tacos, chorizo and eggs, carne guisada, biscuits and gravy and brats, all prepared by a hearty group of volunteers. Music was provided by the "Get Buck Wild" group, which was scheduled to play at 5 A.M.as the rain began and thousands of the early morning arrival scurried for cover.
An added attraction this year, according to a report by Vincent T. Davis in the San Antonio Express-News, was a wedding ceremony. Drew Murphy and Betty Velasco exchanged vows with an entourage that included members of the Buffalo Soldiers Living History and Heritage Association and an American Indian flutist. Look for this to become an annual tradition as other starry-eyed couples share the limelight with the breakfast crowd.
I didn't make it to this year's breakfast. Somewhere in the distant path, I did attend. And it left a definite impact on me. The community spirit that defines the lifestyle of San Antonio, TX was clearly in evidence as I shiveringly waited for my tacos and coffee. Maybe next year I'll make my second appearance. But it won't be at 4:30. The event goes on until at least 9 A.M. Look for me a half-hour before closing time! Proceeds from the Cowboy Breakfast go to toward scholarships for students at St. Philip's College culinary arts program
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