By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The Bois d' Arc Bazaar returns to Commerce this weekend, featuring stocking stuffers and gift solutions sold by regional artisans.
The event takes place Saturday from 1 until 5 p.m. at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce, 1114 Main Street.
Guided tours of the bois d'arc heritage exhibit, a collection of more than 100 items crafted from bois d'arc and donated to the Chamber, will also be conducted. The bazaar will feature bois d'arc related items as well as products created from other wood. As the state-designated "Bois d'Arc Capital of Texas," Commerce has become a center for useful and decorative objects made from parts of the bois d'arc tree.
At the Saturday bazaar, Jim Conrad, dressed in his bois d'arc tree suit, will be demonstrating how he makes flowers from horse apples, and dyes and paper from different parts of the tree.
Jerry Lytle will display canes, paper weights, forever sticks, and unique d cor pieces.
Jay and Kent Garrett have created giant bois d'arc pencils, witty and decorative signs, reindeer herds, and attitude adjusters.
Fred Tarpley will offer autographed copies of his new book, Wood Eternal: The Story of Osage Orange, Bois d'Arc etc., and packets of mystical bois d'arc mulch.