Bonham -- Even in a town that proudly traces its history back to 1837, the 2010 Heritage Day Celebration was one for the books.  Saturday was the most impressive display of family-friendly entertainment in the 173-year history of Bonham and could even mark a turning point for a city that now seems willing to compete in the regional tourism arena.

Bonham was always been blessed with an interesting downtown, but it was never more interesting than July 24 when classic cars and trucks lined the streets, daring motorcycle stunt drivers soared 30 feet into the air, gifted vocalists competed in the Colgate Talent Contest, area fire departments squared off in a fireman's rodeo and so much more.

The first entertainer was the "singing cowboy," Tom Mac Holmes, and he was followed by one of the region's most popular bands, Grandpa's Neighbors.

By then, Pinn-It motorcycles (http://www.pinn-it.com/) were sailing through the air, the 11th Cavalry had locked horns with daring elements of the War of Northern Aggression and the 4th Annual Heritage Day Celebration had already exceeded all expectations.

But so much was yet to come.

The Colgate Talent Contest featured several top-notch entertainers in a friendly competition won by Jennifer Phillips of Bedford, Texas.

Just a block off the historic Bonham Square, Creative Arts Center was packed with visitors enjoying dulcimer music and cowboy poetry.

For fans of innovative mechanics, the astonishing speed of souped-up lawn mower races and the brute strength of high-octane garden tractor pulls, the highlight of this year's Heritage Day Celebration occurred at the new oval track just off Old Ector Road in west Bonham.

Lawn mowers capable of achieving speeds close to 80 mph in the straight-aways came sliding through turns with dirt flying from wheels spinning on the hard dirt surface.  The Lone Star Mower Racing Association (http://lsmra.com/) won over some new fans to their brand of pulse-pounding action with an exhibition race.

The garden tractor pull was probably the least publicized event of the day, but it could easily draw a much bigger crowd to watch local competitors match motors and wits with other members of the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pullers Association (www.lsgtpa.com). Some were burning alcohol, some went with high-octane gas and one was diesel-powered, but they were all burning up the track with engines that went all the way up to a 400 cubic inch V8.

The fireman's rodeo is always a favorite as fans gather to watch area fire departments pitted against each other in the Battle for the Ax. Bonham Fire Department smoked the competition until Dodd City Fire Department came through with impressive back-to-back wins in the finals to take home the ax and, even more important, earn bragging rights for the next year. Bonham won the inaugural fireman's rodeo in 2008, Ector headed home with the ax in 2009 and this year was Dodd City's time to shine. 

Dodd City Volunteer Fire Department's winning team was comprised of Chris Flippin, Cole Lackey, Jake Lackey, Jeff Rays and Brandon Horton.

A motorcycle fun run also allowed visitors to enjoy touring the peaceful back roads of Fannin County.  Fun run winners were Richard Danner, Dennis Miller, Spanky Livingston, Steve Duncan, Bobbie Shields, Bill Weeks and Karen Weeks.

Still, these were only a few examples of all the fun going on at the 2010 Heritage Day Celebration.  A battle of the bands attracted a young crowd to the square Saturday night for a competition between local garage bands.  Country music fans had their turn, too, with Southern Cross as well as Jimbo and the Road Show taking turns on the main stage.

All in all this year's Heritage Day Celebration was more inclusive and packed with more entertainment than ever before.  Plans are already underway for this event in 2011 and this really is a wonderful opportunity to lengthen the celebration, spread the events out over two or even three days and give local businesses a boost.

But 2010 will be very hard to beat.

Motocross jump by Pinn-It

KFYN owner Spanky Carter watches a competitor sing at the Colgate Talent Contest sponsored by KFYN

Two area fire departments compete during the fireman's rodeo.

Ravenna native Claude Lewis leans forward to try and keep the front end on the ground during the garden tractor pull competition.

This colorful couple from Honey Grove was a crowd favorite!

Grandpa's Neighbors just keep sounding better every day.

Edge of Knight Medieval Theater

Motorcycle fun run winners

It's hard to keep the front wheels on the ground with the powerful motors in these Lone Star Mower Racing Association machines.

Battle of the bands performers

The 11th Cavalry catches some lead in a shootout.

Colgate Talent Contest winner Jennifer Phillips of Bedford, Texas

Garden tractor pull

Wichita Falls musician Blaine Murphy was in Bonham for a performance at United Methodist Church and he impressed listeners with an impromptu set on the main stage.

Fannin County Clerk Tammy Skidmore Rich admires the electric truck and electric tractor built by Bonham High School instructors and students. This is the first electric tractor conversion project in the nation by a high school.

The one and only Tom Mac Holmes!

Wayne Moore and his Little Brother, Tre

This old sodbuster wandered into town for supplies and got caught up in the 2010 Heritage Day Celebration - photo by Tre

Additional photos will run all week in North Texas e-News