Commerce -- As many as 5,000 visitors ventured into downtown Commerce Saturday, September 22 to enjoy a colorful parade, be entertained by musicians and to shop with dozens of vendors at the annual Commerce Bois d'Arc Bash.
Commerce Police Department escorted the parade into downtown where the Texas A&M University-Commerce Marching Band and the Commerce High School Marching Band performed for a large crowd that lined the street.
Following the parade, Commerce Mayor John Ballotti welcomed the audience and the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions Dance Team performed. Then it was time for music to begin on the main stage, with Bois d'Arc Dixieland Jazz Band leading the festival line-up on Saturday that included The Blandelles and Back Seat Molly.
The Bois d'Arc Bash is actually a three-day event that got underway Friday, September 21 with a BBQ dinner, opening night of the carnival and live music from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
On Sunday, the highlight was the 17th Annual Car & Truck Show.
According to Dr. Fred Tarpley, one of the leading experts on bois d'arc, the bois d’arc tree has been celebrated by the Commerce Bois d’Arc Bash for twenty-seven years, the state legislature has designated the town the Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas, and the area is developing a reputation for its crafts and research related to the tree. Dr. Tarpley was at the Bash with copies of his comprehensive book on bois d'arc, Wood Eternal, and a number of bois d'arc crafters displayed unique creations fashioned from the densest wood in North America.
