KETR will be in downtown Commerce Saturday for the 22nd Bois d'Arc Bash. Stop by and get a goodie bag!Founded in 1985 to celebrate the centennial of Commerce, the 22nd Bois d'Arc Bash has grown into a three-day event. The 2007 Bois d'Arc Bash begins Friday evening and continues through Sunday.
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 events include live entertainment from four bands on the square in downtown Commerce from 5:30-11:30 p.m. The lineup starts with the steel drum band from Texas A&M University-Commerce, "Panimation". Folk/country artist Hope Cassity follows at 6:30, then the blues-rock group "The All Fingers Band" performs at 8:30. "Two Mile Bridge", an 80's/90's rock band, caps the evening at 10:30.
Saturday events includes over 100 vendors and stage entertainment in downtown Commerce. Make sure you see 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 4:00 p.m., country music from the Duane Stailey Band at 6 and Mark David Manders at 8 p.m., and country-rock from the Exit 110 Band 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 9:00 a.m.
A listing of all events for the 22nd Bois d'Arc Bash can be found online at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce website, www.commerce-chamber.com.
And look for the KETR tent in downtown Commerce during Bash activities on Saturday!