The 23rd Annual Autumn In Bonham has not only grown in size, but also in activities.  For the 2009 Autumn In Bonham we have added a Texas State Championship BBQ Cook-Off sponsored by Brookshire’s to the activities on Saturday, September 26. We have also added numerous other activities for both Friday evening and all day Saturday, September 25-26, 2009 at The Complex.

“We think we have something for everyone this year, including the kids,” stated Event Coordinator, Kelly Presley.

The event kicks off Friday evening, September 25 with a Cappy’s Spaghetti or Papa Murphy’s Pizza Dinner with all the trimmings from 5:00 pm. To 8:00 pm.   We will also have a “Bigbee’s Bounce-A-Lot” slide, Jordan Express Train Rides, along with other kids activities including face painting by Renee at Jackson Hewitt.  Tickets for the Dinner are $9 or $7 in advance.  Kid’s Tickets are $5, and kids under 6 are FREE.

At 6:30 pm Dodd City’s own Daniel Weeks will be bringing a crew to put on a Motocross demonstration promoting “Pinn-It Bash ‘09”, a Motocross competition Saturday night in Dodd City.

Things really liven up Friday at 7:00 pm til 9:00 pm with live music by “Pure Country” from Paris.

The Honey Grove VFW Club concessions will also be open from 5:00 pm until 9:30 pm on Friday night.  They will also be operating Saturday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm or until the BBQ Competition is completed.

BBQ Cook-Off contestants will be arriving all day and night Friday, and begin preparing their Brisket, Ribs, or Half Chicken entries into the Saturday BBQ Cook-Off competition.  They will be traveling to Bonham from everywhere, except for the Fannin County entrants we have.  It should start smelling real good late Friday night and throughout the night as they smoke their meats.

Saturday kicks off early with riders beginning to come in before daylight to prepare for the ride and enjoy the breakfast we serve for riders only. 

Registration and Breakfast will begin at 6 am.  The 64 Mile Route will start at 8:30 am with the 54 Mile Route following at 8:45 am.  The 44-28 & 14 Mile Routes all start at 9 am.  We will have entertainment for the Rally start also. 

Come out and join us for this, and we will even put you to work somewhere.

At 10 am Saturday morning we will begin a TAPS bus route from the Mulit-Purpose Complex to downtown Bonham and around the area that will leave the Complex every hour on the hour during the day Saturday to provide bus rides for folks who want to shop, site-see, or eat in Bonham. 

 “We appreciate the efforts of TAPS Executive Director, Brad Underwood for agreeing to provide this service for us.  It will give all the participants an opportunity to see and utilize Bonham without leaving their crowded parking spots at the Complex.  It will also provide transportation to the events for Bonham folks without having to park a long ways away since we will be short of parking at The Complex,” said Chamber Exec. Bill Jones. 

 The bus will stop at the Chamber every 15 minutes after the hour, and at Brookshire’s each half past the hour.  We are still working on a stop at Wal-Mart as well.  So for a ride to enjoy the many activities at the event on Saturday, just park at one of these locations and catch the TAPS bus.

Kids activities will kick back in gear Saturday morning about 10 am.  They will include a “Bigbee’s Bounce-A-Lot” Slide, Petting Zoo, Horse Drawn Buggy Rides, Jordan’s Express Train Ride, and more.

Championship BBQ Lunches will be served from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday. Tickets will be available at The Complex or in advance at The Chamber.  Tickets for the Championship Brisket, Potato Salad, Beans,  Cobbler & Tea will be $10 that day or $8 in advance.  Children’s Tickets (12 & under) will be $5.  Kids under 6 eat FREE.  Discount advance tickets for all events are on sale now at the Chamber Office, 327 N. Main.  Call 903-583-4811 for more information.

Saturday from 1pm to 3pm “Glass Gypsy” will be performing live for your listening or dancing pleasures.  The Honey Grove VFW Concessions will also be open during the day Saturday.

Cook-Off Judging and Awards Ceremony will also take place during the morning and afternoon Saturday.

Call The Chamber at 903-583-4811 for more information and to get your advance ticket discounts.

It all stacks-up to be two fun filled, stomach filling, days of activities all taking place at the Multi-Purpose Complex at W. Hwy 56 and FM 87 West of town.  Don’t Miss It!