Commerce holds 25th annual Bois d'Arc Bash

Friday, Sept. 24 kicked off the main community events of Commerce's 25th Annual Bois d' Arc Bash.

The Commerce Leaderships Institute (CLI) hosted its traditional barbeque from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. by serving $5 bagged dinners which included a brisket sandwich, chips, a cookie and a drink. Meals were available by walk-up or drive thru.

Ted Oats was one of around a dozen CLI members involved in organizing and serving the barbeque.

Oats said numerous Commerce businesses pitched in by donating or offering items for the barbeque at a discount, including but not limited to Brookshire's, Walmart, Sonic, McDonald's, and Sodexo dining services at A&M-Commerce. Oats said 1,000-1,500 meals are prepared on average.

"The food that's left over, we will bag up and give it to Meals on Wheels," he said.

Live musical performances took place throughout the evening including an appearance by A&M-Commerce's Steel Drum Band "Panimation."

Spot Brewery created a new Bash-related promotion this year with its "Bois d' Arc Bash Beer."

According to employee and junior A&M-Commerce marketing major Brittany Bettes, owner Deryck Gorman had the idea to open up the brewery's front window in order to sell beer more conveniently to passersby.

"It's a more convenient way to get beer, because people don't want to walk inside," Bettes said.

Commerce City Council member Doug Rohrbaugh participated in this year's Bash by coordinating volunteer efforts and trash pick up.

"It's just a great time in Commerce, seeing the community come out and college students coming out and mixing with the community," he said.

Rohrbaugh would like to see more diverse university representation in future Bashes.

"(I'd like to see) more students organizations having booths down here, letting the community know what they're all about and what their role is at the university, as well as in the community," he said.

Commerce residents said they enjoy the community spirit that the Bash brings out.

"I love the Bois d' Arc Bash," resident Dawn Bennet said. "There's so much going on, and you can see the people you've lived around for years. It's very fun."

The smell of turkey legs, funnel cakes and pancakes swept through downtown Saturday. The Commerce Kiwanis Club served its annual pancake breakfast for the community, while vendors set up booths and prepared for another day of celebration.

"This is a great family event," attendee Carrie Rosenbalm said. "There is good food, family fun and good music." She and her husband Matthew were in town for the day and decided to bring their daughter Christine to the bash.

A lot of people were thrilled with the weather as the day progressed. Rain came through town early Saturday morning, but it turned out to be a beautiful day, according to Jorge Juarez who helped with the 5k run. He said there were more than 100 runners.

"With the weather clearing up, a lot more people started coming out," Public Relations Officer Alex Suarez of the Commerce Police Department said.

Couples, families, individuals and groups of friends were spread amongst the multiple booths. Some people watched the band and dancers at the stage, while others relaxed on the surrounding benches.

"This really brings the community together," undecided major Johnny Kirkpatrick said. "It's like a second homecoming. It is also a great place to bring your girlfriend."

Kirkpatrick's girlfriend Renesa Whitman said she enjoyed walking around seeing all of the booths, but that, "There should be more variety of booths and not so spread out."

Some booths had games set up, which were fundraisers for various projects around town.

"I had so much fun smashing the Bois d' Arc apples," Robin Roysdon, an A&M-Commerce student, said. "It was a fundraiser to build a skate park in Commerce."

"The turkey legs were legit; a little pricy, but legit," Roysdon's friend Gloria Allen said.

Allen was also pleased with the deal she got on jewelry at one of the booths.

Some groups were doing community service hours during the event. Cairo Thornton from the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped out by cleaning up trash throughout downtown.

"SAAC helped out and our goal was to be involved in the community," Thornton said. "It was an interesting experience too."

"I am very excited to be out here today. I hope everyone can get out and improve our community," said Steve Tittle, who is running for District Judge.

Live musical performances on Saturday night included the bands wakingNorman of Dallas and The Blandelles.

For more information or questions about the Bash, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 903-886-3950.