Bois D' Arc Bash celebrates 25th anniversary

The 25^th annual Bois d' Arc Bash will be held Sept. 23-25 featuring music, food and a 5k run.

This year's festival also features a college night, which is the first time the bash has directly involved the university.

"We've always wanted to involve the community and the university," Commerce Chamber of Commerce Manager Trey Boyles said. "The university is an integral part of the community."

The college night will be held Thursday, Sept. 23 and will feature a wide variety of food and music.

Every year, the Chamber of Commerce's concession booth carries a signature item and this year it is the Bois d' Arc Bash Slushie.

"It's concocted to put everyone in the mood to celebrate," a press release on festival's website said.

Other foods offered throughout the bash will be funnel cakes, turkey legs and a pancake breakfast offered Saturday morning by the Commerce Kiwanis club.

A multitude of item vendors will be attending the bash as well.

"For shoppers seeking crafts and unique merchandise, the Bois d' Arc Bash delivers endless pleasures in the discovery of unusual items at affordable prices," the release said.

The 5k run will be held Saturday morning followed by the breakfast and vendors setting up for the days sales. A parade will also be held Saturday morning.

Headlining Saturday night's music entertainment will be Dallas natives wakingNorman. The band will take the stage at 10 p.m. According to the release the band is a mixture of rock, funk and jazz.

"Their unique music originates with an electric violin and electric guitar," the release said.

The chamber said they are proud to have the band to headline the show.

"We are very happy that our efforts to bring wakingNorman to Commerce is about to be fulfilled," President of the Commerce Chamber of Commerce Lisa Arnold said. "We have been in discussions with these specific artists since the Bash committee started tossing around ideas."

The bash will feature other acts such as the Blandelles. Boyles said a second stage will be set up next to the main stage featuring a continuous line of acoustic acts.

"During the bash Saturday there will never be a time where there is no music," he said.

Vendor's space may be purchased in advance for Sept. 25, from the chamber office. VIP tickets will be available for $25 in advance. For more information contact the Commerce Chamber of Commerce at 903-886-3950.