Published: September 05, 2008 03:48 pm            

Bois d'Arc Bash starts Sept. 26

Founded in 1985 to celebrate the centennial of Commerce, the 23rd Bois d’Arc Bash has grown into a three-day event. The 2008 Bois d’Arc Bash begins the evening of Friday, Sept. 26, and continues Saturday and Sunday.

Commerce celebrates the bois d’arc tree because it is a native species and Commerce is home to “Max,” a 300-year-old giant of a bois d’arc that is listed as a Famous and Historic Tree by American Forests. Commerce received the designation of “Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1999.

Events on Friday, Sept. 26, include live entertainment from four bands on the square in downtown Commerce from 5 to 11:30 p.m. The lineup starts with the steel drum band from Texas A&M University-Commerce, Panimation. The gospel group The Messengers follows at 6:30, then the rock and roll group Dr. Doctor performs at 8:15. A growing new Texas country artist Ryan Beaver caps the evening at 10 p.m. The 2008 Class of Commerce Leadership Institute will have a barbecue meal in a bag available for purchase from 5 to 8 p.m. for $5.

Events on Saturday, Sept. 27, continue on the square with a variety of activities for all ages, vendors and stage entertainment in downtown Commerce. This includes the Bash parade starting at 10 a.m., a 5K walk and run, the Northeast Texas International Wine and Food Society’s eighth annual Texas Wine Tasting event and two youth pageants.

Onstage will be the Bois d’Arc Dixieland Band at 11:30 a.m., the Cross Trails Band performs at 1:15 and the Blandelles oldies-rock group at 4 p.m. Alternative country artist Amanda Graves and Shutdown Town are onstage at 6 p.m. with country music star Zane Lewis at 8 p.m. The evening will end with the Exit 110 Band beginning at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, is the 13th annual Bois d’Arc Bash Classic Car and Truck show on the square in downtown Commerce. Independent judges will choose winners from 30 categories. Classic car and truck owners can pre-register or bring their vehicles on show day starting at 9 a.m.

A listing of all events for the 23rd Bois d’Arc Bash can be found online at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.commerce-chamber.com.

        

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