Bonham, Texas -- Artists were on almost every corner and music filled the air on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as residents and visitors filled the historic downtown of one of the oldest towns in Texas to celebrate Bonham Heritage Day Festival.

This family-friendly event had something for everyone. Creative Arts Center hosted the Red River Arts Fest, a farmers market, and later in the afternoon a judging of plein air paintings that focused on local landmarks, with $1700 worth of cash prizes awarded to winning artists.

En plein air is a French expression that describes the act of painting outdoors where the artist is challenged to capture the fleeting, ever-changing effect of natural light.

A plein air artist paints a wonderful rendition of the historic Fannin County Courthouse.

The 2026 Heritage Day Festival got underway with a 5K run, the Red River Valley Car Club Annual Car Show with classic and custom vehicles stretched down North Main Street, and a record number of booths and vendors added to the excitement.

Towering over the event was the 1888 Fannin County Courthouse and this was the perfect opportunity to tour this historic structure. In addition, a slideshow detailing the history of this impressive courthouse was held throughout the day.

The 1888 Fannin County Courthouse towered over the celebration.

Kids enjoyed a bounce house village and face painting, while adults gravitated towards festival food and the beer and wine garden. Live music, beginning with Marcus and Jess Wolverton, provided the soundtrack for this special day in downtown Bonham.

Marcus and Jess Wolverton

Red River Valley Car Club Annual Car Show

An authentic chuckwagon, courtesy of Bois d'Arc Creek Baptist Church

Pasole and stew cooking near the chuckwagon

Another plein air artist captures a different perspective of the 1888 Fannin County Courthouse.

Katie Morrow and Elizabeth Applewhite of the Fannin County Museum of History were in period dress for this special occasion.

If you don't know what this conversation was about, you've never had a chance to visit with John "Bois d'Arc" Baecht, a gifted craftsman and a tireless proponent of all things bois d'arc.

Trying to hang on for eight seconds!

A crowd gathers around former Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn's 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood.

The Nursery, located north of Honey Grove, had a large variety of plants for sale.

John "Bois d'Arc" Baecht shows off one of the bois d'arc tool handles he is famous for creating.

Visitors stop by the First United Bank booth.

A climber works his way up the climbing wall.

Jess Wolverton

photos by Allen and Cindy Rich