Founded in 1985 to celebrate the centennial of Commerce, the Bois d’Arc Bash has grown into a three-day event. The 22nd Bois d’Arc Bash begins Friday, Sept. 21 and continues through Sunday.
“We estimate between eight thousand-ten thousand people downtown over the three-day weekend,” said Karen Starks, Bash director.
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.
Friday’s events are highlighted by four bands on the square from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. The lineup starts with the steel drum band from Texas A&M University-Commerce, “Panimation”. Folk/country artist and A&M-Commerce alumnus, Hope Cassity takes the stage at 6:30 p.m., with the blues-rock group “The All Fingers Band” following at 8:30 p.m. “Two Mile Bridge”, an 80’s/90’s rock band, caps the evening at 10:30 p.m.
Events on Saturday 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 Church Gospel Band at 1 p.m., the Blandelles oldies-rock group at 4 p.m., country music from the Duane Staley Band at 6 p.m. and Mark David Manders at 8 p.m. Local country-rock group Exit 110 finishes off the night, going on at 10 p.m.
Sunday is the 12th 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 a.m.
“It should be a fun filled weekend with lots to do and I really think the University students will have a great time,” Starks said.
A listing of all events for this weekend’s Bash can be found online at www.commerce-chamber.com.