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. 26th and continues Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th.
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, September 26 include live entertainment from four bands on the square in downtown Commerce from 5:00-11:30 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 10:00. The 2008 Class of Commerce Leadership Institute will have a Bar-B-Q meal in a bag available for purchase from 5-8 p.m. for $5.
Events on Saturday, September 27th 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 8th 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 4:00 p.m. Alternative country artist “Amanda Graves and Shutdown Town” are onstage at 6:00 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, September 28th 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 9:00 a.m.
A listing of all events for the 23rd Bois d’Arc Bash can be found online at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce website, www.commerce-chamber.com.
Bois d’ Arc Bash slated Sept. 26-28 in Commerce
Friday Evening • Sept. 26 • Downtown
5pm – 8pm CLI Brown Bag Bar-B-Q
5pm – 6pm TAMU-C Steel Drum Band
6:30pm – 7:45pm The Messengers
8:15pm – 9:30pm Ryan Beaver
All Day Saturday • Sept 27 • Downtown
6:00am – 9:00am Crafters, Artist & Vendors Setup
7:00am – 10:00am Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast
7:30am 5K Run/Walk
9:00am Vendors & Booths Open
10:00am Bois d’ Arc Bash Parade
11:15am Opening Ceremonies
11:30am – 12:45pm Bois d’ Arc Dixieland Jazz Band
Noon Youth Pageant (ages 0-3)
Noon Aglaia Duck Race
12:45pm Parade Winners Announced
1:00pm – 1:15pm Commerce Idol Winners
1:15pm – 2:00pm Cross Trails Band
2:00pm Youth Pageant (ages 4-18)
2:15pm – 3:00pm TBA
3:00pm – 4:00pm Li Sheer Dance Studio
4:00pm Youth Pageant Winners Announced
4:00pm – 8:00pm Texas Wine Tasting
4:15pm – 5:45pm Blandelles
6:00pm – 7:30pm Shutdown Town – Amanda Graves
8:00pm – 9:30pm Zane Lewis
10:00pm – 11:30pm Exit 110 Band
Sunday • Sept 28 • Downtown
10:00am – 3:00pm Car & Truck Show
Noon Commerce FFA Alumni BBQ Lunch