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September 24,25,26D o w n t o w nCOMMERCEG O L F T O U R N A M E N T

THE BLANDELLES

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BRENDA COPELANDThe Bois d’ Arc High School Mandala Art Show

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A n d T h e R e v e l a t o r sThe Ed Burleson Band

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WELCOME to the 2010 Bois d’Arc Bash!Now in its 25th year the Commerce Bois d’Arc Bash celebrates the Bois d’ Arc Tree and its fruit named after the tree (pronouned “bodark”), which is french for “bow wood”. It is also refered to as an Osage

orange tree, hedge apple tree and horse apple tree. We celebrate this hard and tough tree. Use this guide to find new ways to create your own Bois d’Arc Bash experience. With three plus days of back-to-back

events, there’s bound to be something you just must see. Share your picks with family and friends and let us know what you think on facebook...find our link at commerce-chamber.com

C o m m e r c e , C e l e b r a t i n g O u r 1 2 5 t h Ye a r

b o i s d a r c - b a s h . c o m

BOIS d’ARC BASH• Rise & shine and cheer on the 5K participants• Parade kick off

25 things kids & families can’t miss

Gotta Have the Arts

Northeast Texas Wine Tasting

LIVE MUSIC

S e p t e m b e r 2 3 , 2 4 , 2 5 , 2 6 2 0 1 0 • C o m m e r c e T e x a s

• Don’t miss the Arts and Writers Fair at City Hall including: - Regional writers book signing, local craftsmen, video premiere, student art show, art activities and photo booth, Bois d’ arc traveling bulletin board of trivia. Open from noon-4-:00 and full of everything Bois d’ Arc

• WIN Bragging rights ....• Enter your ideas for the name of the Bois d’Arc Beverage! • Contestants enter thru the Bois d’Arc Bash facebook page link at commerce-chamber.com

• Profiles• Calendar of events and more

Aglaia Duck Race Action

5:00 pm ..............TAMU-C Steel Drum Band “Panimation”

5:45 pm ......................................................Debbie Porter

6:15 pm ..........................................................“Dr. Doctor”

7:15 pm ......................................................Lou Ann Petty

7:45 pm .......................................................Trey Houston

9:15 pm ..................................................Johnny C. Lately

9:30 pm .................................................Cross Trails Band

11:15 am ...............Opening Ceremonies 125th Birthday

Bois d’Arc Dixieland Band

12:30 pm........Randy Wallace and Clyde (Acoustic Stage)

1:00 pm ..................................The Blandelles (Main Stg)

4:00 pm ......................................Boogie Men (Main Stg)

5:30 pm ..................................................Burning Embers

6:00 pm ...Jonathan Jeter and the Revelators (Main Stg))

7:45 pm ................................waking Norman (Main Stg)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th

excitement mounts as the days count down to September 25, Ed Burlesonand his Band have confirmed their participation in the 25th Annual Bois d’Arc Bash in Commerce. This years Bash promises more live entertainment than any previous Bash with the addition of Thursday Night performances during College Night. Friday evening’s line up includes some Commerce favorites and on Saturday 25th from 9:30 until 11:30 p.m., Ed Burleson and his Band will headline the evening. Burleson, recently performed at Dal-

las House of Blues, will be singing songs that appeal to Texas audiences. The Denison native’s latest album, “The Hard Truth,” reflects his recent tough bouts with life. In genuine country style, Burleson incorporates the hard knocks into his music and learns from them. In 1999 his new collection of songs was “My Perfect World,” but since then Burleson has lost his mentor, Doug Sahm, and his label, Sahm’s Tornado Records. A divorce also disrupted his climb on radio charts to No. 3 with “A Perfect World. Instead of accepting defeat, the former rodeo rider climbed back in the saddle and recorded “Truth” for Palo Duro Records. The collection, released in April, is a collection of songs written by Burleson and demonstrating his determination to prevail over adversity. As Burleson’s popularity mushroomed in Dallas, he was tagged as someone too country for Nashville but not for Texas. He exudes bluegrass and honky tonk, applauded for “his nasal twang and not one note of insincerity,”as one critic described it. Burleson’s fan base in expected to continue to grow when he greets new audiences from the Bash stage. Experience the powerful performance right here in our downtown.

Taking the Stage...

9:00 am...DJ Dave spins SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th

7:07............College Night S&F Competition, DJ and more

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23th

wakingNorman to Headline 25th Annual Bois d’Arc Bash Taking main stage in the historic downtown square in Commerce at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, will be the fresh sounds of wakingNorman, a fast-rising six-member band from Dallas. They will be rocking the 25th annual Bois d’Arc Bash. The original rock band from Dallas will share their unique pop, rock, jazzy funk sound with the Bash audience. Their unique music originates begins with an electric violin and an electric acoustic guitar. Lisa Arnold, president of the Commerce Chamber of Commerce, takes pride in announcing that wakingNorman will be in the line-up among the non-stop entertainers at the 2010 Bash. Members of the band that has played such top venues as the State Fair of Texas and the Granada Theater in the Dallas combines the talents of Troy Mayfield on lead, Mike Horne on violin and vocals, Nick Knirk on guitar and vocals, Gino “Lock Johnson” Inglehart” on drums, and Wes Stephenson on bass. “We are very happy that our efforts to bring wakingNorman to Commerce is about to be fulfilled. We have been in discussions with these specific artists since the Bash committee started tossing around ideas,” Lisa Arnold commented.

Page 2 BOIS d’ARC BASH September 24. 25, 26 2010

Bash Entertainment Bursting with Talent and Variety As the 2010 Bois d’Arc Bash approaches on September 23-26, the lineup of entertainment for the two stages has been joined by unprecedented styles of music and multi-talented performers. Jonathan Jeter and The Revelators are headliners added to the Saturday night groups bringing music that the leaders say “pulls pain and heartbreaks from small town life. “ Jonathan writes songs for the Greenville-based band and reports that his tours across the country “have racked up a million highway miles and tears.” Jonathan is now ready to claim a part of the musical pie and believes Jonathan Jeter and the Revelators will soon become a name “that you won’t be forgetting so quickly.” Influenced by Waylon Jen-nings, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash, Jeter thinks his music sounds like “a raging night of PBRs and heartbreaks.” Songs like “What You Make of It” are propelling the Revelators to fame, taking them from a recent appearance at the Sig Barn in Commerce on September 11, to the Bash, and on to Filthy McNasty’s Bar in the Fort Worth Stock Yards on November 13. They will be on Stage 1 at the Bois d’Arc Bash from 6 until 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25. Other musical groups scheduled for Saturday are Randy Wallace and Clyde, songwrit-ers and performers, from 12:30 until 1 p.m., Boogie Men on the Main Stage from 4:00 until 5:30, wakingNorman at 7:45, and Ed Burleson at 9:30p.m.

Other featured entertainers at the Bash will be the Blandelles a group that

started with teachers at Bland High School near Greenville; they will be playing

“Rock and Roll the Way You Remember It.” At the very first Bash in 1986, the

Blandelles were the headliners for the Saturday night dance on the square, and

they have returned for encores many times since then.

BOIS d’ARC BASH

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Coming off a great performance at the Rally Round Greenville Burning Embers will grace our stage starting at 5:30 p.m.

Burning Embers

The Boogie Men play Rock/Blues/Soul/Funk. Formed in 1985, this band has played all types of music. From entertaining the Texas Rangers Baseball Team at the Diamond Ball or Mobil Oil at their Christmas Cruisers Motorcyle Club. From theclassic rock of Santana to the soul of Smokey Robinson, the funky of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kenny Wayne Sheppard. This band always lends its own sound to a song a blues roots. Boogie on down with the Boogie Men.

Boogie Men

Randy Wallace and Clyde the dogLocal singer songwriter Randy Wallace is a regular on Thursdays at the Singer

Songwriters Night at CowHill Coffee. He graces our stage with his musical

partner Clyde who guarantees to entertain.

Bois d’Arc Dixieland BandThe Bois d’ Arc Dixieland Band made its debut at the 12th annual Bois d’ Arc

Bash in 1996. Russell Armstrong was inspired by similiar bands, put together a

washboard, found the musicians in the Music Department at East Texas State

University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce) and started practicing. All of

the original band members were on the faculty at the university with the excep-

tion of Russell Armstrong who owned a local investment firm. Over the years, the

personnel have changed; however, the traditional New Orleans Dixieland Jazz

style has remained the same.

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Page 3 September 24. 25, 26 2010

25 things kids & families can’t miss at this 25th Annual Bois d’Arc BashCelebration.

1.What birthday wouldn’t be complete without a formal proclamation...Join the Mayor and other local dignitaries at the opening ceremonies of the Bash, it’s right after the parade on the Main Stage of the downtown square and the official start of a day in celebration of the founding of the city of Commerce. Congratulations are in order for the community on getting another year older.

2. If you missed the fun of the early morning 5K Run | Walk, hope you didn’t miss the course. The map is printed in this guide and it’s a great way to get a pretty good lay of the land in Commerce. Your dog will love you for making it your new walking route this fall.

3. The Bois d’Arc apples are ripening already…start decorating your house with the round beautiful lime green orbs. They look great in a bowl or clear vase and are renouned for keeping the bugs away.

4. 25th Birthday Beverage. We are having a naming contest for our new Bash Beverage available at the Chamber concession stand….served in a 25th annual imprinted cup with a secret slushy recipe. Tickle your taste buds and freeze your brain. Names being accepted via facebook or at boisdarc-bash.com. Have your vocal chords frozen and your voice heard by submitting a name today.

5.Do an art walk through the window art exhibit at 1201 Washington Street as created by Denise Harris’s Commerce High School art students as they investigated non-traditional mandalas. You’ll notice a great use of line, shading and a little bit of color. The exhibit was made possible by the generous donation of Sheri and Ray Embro and American Eagle Properties.

6. Bois d’Arc Bash Flickr Photo ContestPost your favorite Bash images on Flickr and send a link to the Chamber, all submitted images will be reviewed and a winner will be announced in the Connection. Tag your favorite personal Bois d’Arc Bash photos from the last 25 years with “Bois d’Arc Bash 25” on Flickr, and just like that, you’ll be entered into our photo contest. One lucky winner will earn bragging rights for the next 25 years.

7. Bois d’Arc Bash :40 video ContestPost a :25 video (that’s 25 seconds, people) that shows us what Bois d’ Arc Bash means to you. Be creative! You can tell us your favorite memory, your favorite artist, or just why you love the Bash, whatever moves you… You have :25 to sum up a Festival that has been around for 25 years so creativity counts! Post to the Bois d’Arc Bash youtube channel for all to see. Send link to commercechamber@embarqmail.com

8.Bois d’Arc Bash Birthday PartyEveryone loves a party…Throw your own bash inspired party to commemorate our 25th Birthday. Invite your friends, get crazy, and share the memories (stories, videos and photos) on the Bois d’Arc Bash wordpress site.

9. Give a birthday gift. To whom? For the Bash’s 25th birthday, but please, no presents please, do something nice for someone else. Write a song or a poem, donate your time to a worthy cause, teach a kid an art project—whatever it is, we want to know about it! Document your birthday gift to the Bash and let us know later what you did...we’d like to share with everyone what a great community this is. We want to celebrate how cool and thoughtful Bois d’Arc Bash fans are.Prize Package: It may sound goofy, but doing something nice for someone else is a prize unto itself. Not only should you feel better, but you’ll be making our community a better place, and we’ll gladly recognize you for that. commercechamber@embarqmail.com

10. Enjoy outdoor Bois d’Arc Bowling when you get home. Horse apples will be at their ripest and about ready to take their autumnal plunge to the ground. All you need is a container full of bowling balls (horse apples), a latex glove for your bowling hand to ward off possible dermatitis from the white sap, a level stretch of sidewalk, ten plastic coke bottles substituting for tenpins, and someone who can keep track of spares and strikes on a score card.

11. Test your knowledge of the Bois d’Arc Bash, its namesake tree and it’s fruit with our Trivia quiz, available on page 11 of this publication and track down the answers hidden on the same page. Questions touch on categories including general history, performers, vendors, and more. Put your trivia champion title to the test and see how many questions you can get right! Fred Tarpley will be judging all entries.

12. Noon has lots of overlapping activities, but the Aglia Duck Race is a favorite with one winner walking away with $1,000 cash. All proceeds benefit local chairities and two Commerce High School student scholarships. Look for Everything Is Ducky T-shirts to get a ticket.

13. Visit the A.C. Williams students’ bois d’ arc inspired creations at City Hall between noon and 4:00. Judge for yourself how creative our community is.

BOIS d’ARC BASH

In true silver anniversary form, the Bois d’Arc Bash

kicks off the 25 ways to celebrate 25 years! While

you’re here you can start counting the ways you’ll

enjoy this last weekend in September, you can get

started with the festivities by checking out these 25

ways. We hope you’ll join in the revelry and thanks

for supporting the Bash for two and a half decades.

Page 4 September 24. 25, 26 2010

Page 5

25.Grab a bunch of souvenirs at the Chamber of Commerce concessions stand at Washigton and Alamo streets or at City Hall. Bois d’arc Magic Mulch has remarkable powers, and the bag of bois d’arc sawdust from a table saw and mystical shavings from a chain saw will energize your adventures at the Bash. Take bags to friends who could not attend, and they will resolve to be here next year.

BOIS d’ARC BASH14. Make your weekend stretch even longer by starting the celebration on Thursday evening as College Night activities unfold down on the Main Stage on the Square.

15. Investigate the ancient’s way of celebrating the Autumnal Equinox and create a current version of the celebration for you and your friends. Enjoy the sunshine as daylight starts to get less and less from now til the winter solstice.

16. Horse Apples vs. Home Pests. Share your reports on combating insects, skunks, armadillos, and other varmints with repellents from the bois d’arc tree. A summary of the results of experiments to combat unwanted critters with horse apples. “It is only natural that the Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas will become an authoritative source of information on this subject,” Written or oral reports may be submitted to Fred Tarpley at City Hall on Sept 25.

17. Enjoy running into old friends, or making new ones as we celebrate 25 years of the Bash. Invite family and friends from out of town to the historic square.

18. Be sure not to miss the Jim Conrad he’s sometimes hard to see in his bois d’arc tree costume. Look for his booth full of interesting bois d’ arc creations as well as his written creations. Janet Peek will be a roving Bois d’Arc Bash ambassador welcoming people to her hometown. Where else can your guests see a man dressed as a bois d’arc tree?

19. Funnel cakes, funnel cakes, funnel cakes, who can resist the best bash food ever invented.

20. Don’t deny yourself all the other irresistible food. From deep roasted corn on-a-stick, turkey legs, BBQ, and susage on-a-stick to corn dogs and lemonade...Highlights that will be also be available at the Bash are: Blue Bell Ice Cream, smoothies, hamburgers, hot dogs, pancakes, Indian vegetarian dishes, ice cream bars, potato swirls, fried catfish, just to name a few. Perfect for a warm September day.

21. For descriminating shoppers seeking unusual crafts and unique merchandise the Bois d’Arc Bash delivers endless pleasure in the discovery of unusual items at affordable prices, all available from friendly vendors and local and regional craftsmen.

22. The dunking booth, bouncy house, pony rides, dart throw, basketball toss, airbrush tattoos, Mechanical Bull and the Cowhill train will all provide distraction at the Bois d’Arc Bash. Look for the Token booth to get your chance at all the fun.

23. After-Bash party games can revive memories of the celebration. Ask each guest to spin a tale about his or her favorite memory involving the bois d’arc tree. Find out who can list the greatest number of common names used for the tree. Determine which party guests can make the longest list of practical uses of the bois d’arc tree.

24. Get your portrait taken by Texas A&M University Photo 111 students as they capture your true, or false, identity for you to download and keep as a memento of the days activities. Look for the giant sheet of white seemless and some tripods over near City Hall.

September 24. 25, 26 2010

v

BOIS d’ARC BASH While diners enjoy al fresco barbecue served by the Commerce Leadership Institute from 5 until 8 p.m., Panimation, the Texas A&M-Commerce Steel Drum Band will mount the stage to send its unique sounds reverberating across the historic town square from 5 until 5:45.

Friday Night Line Up...

Dr. Doctor, will return from 6:15 until 7:15 p.m. with its rock and roll repertoire. The group is a local band com-prised of college professors, a local dentist, and a local realtor, who started out as a garage band playing a few private parties and over the past 5 years have grown to a popular classic rock and country band that has played the Bois d’ Arc bash, Cooper Chigger fest, Relay-for-Life, and a variety of venues in the Commerce, Greenville, and Dallas metroplex.

Debbie Porter, who recently moved to Commerce to be closer to her position at the university as a grant writer. Deb also brings a 30 year music career which began in the 70’s Austin music scene where Deb performed as a singer–songwriter playing guitar. In the 80’s she discovered the mountain dulcimer and began record-ing CD’s of folk music and teaching dulcimer and ukulele at folk music festivals around the country. Always fun and entertaining Deb will yodel her way into your heart. Deb performs in Commerce Friday from 5:45 until 6:15 p.m.

Then Lou Ann Petty, a vocalist with an enthusiastic following in Commerce. Lu Ann recently won the Ruby Almond Songwriter Contest and was the star of the university’s recent production of “Re-membering Patsy Cline.” will step to the microphone for the next thirty minutes.

Trey Houston, from his repertoire of 450 songs spanning several musical genres, Trey Houston will entertain Bois d’Arc Bash audiences in Commerce from 7:30 until 9 p.m. The dynamic solo artist supplies all the lead vocals to in-strumental tracks, enabling him to deliver crowd-pleasing favorites ranging from traditional to contemporary country, and from classic rock to contemporary pop. He also demonstrates his own songwriting talents with selections from recorded collections. His albums include “Under Construction,” “One Song at a Time, and “That’s Why I do What I Do.” Houston-born and Greenville-raised, Trey launched his full-time music career in 1994. Between performances, Trey takes assignments as a limousine driver in the Dallas area. “That’s why some of my fans call me ‘the Singing Chauffeur,” Trey explains. The combination of driving assignments Sunday through Thursday, and entertainment gigs Friday and Saturday keeps the amiable singer-composer in tune with his audiences.

The evening will conclude with a rural Western gospel session from 9:30 until 11:30 presentedby the talented Cross Trails Band from the Cross Trails Church in nearby Fairlie.

After Trey’s turn from 7:45 until 9:15, Johnny C. Lately will come to the stage with his array of songs.

9:00 am................................................Car&Truck Show12 noon ................................................FFA Alumni BBQ

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th

All week.........Ongoing HS Bois d’Arc Window Art Show7:00am-5:30 pm...First Tee|TrophyTime for Golf Tourney5:00 pm..........Commerce Leadership Institute - BBQ $5 Drive thru or al fresco on the square8:00 pm ..................................... Chamber Concessions5:00 pm ...................................Live Music (Downtown)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th

7:00-10:00 am ..................... Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast7:30 am .................................................... 5K Run | Walk9:00 am ........................................ Vendors/Booths Open9:00 am .........................................Parade line-up at City Park

10:00 am ................................... Bois d’Arc Bash Parade11:15 am ...............Opening Ceremonies 125th Birthday11:30 am ................Bois d’Arc Dixieland Jazz (Main Stg)12:00 am ......................Arts Show, Art Activities, Photo Booth, Woodworkers, Regional Writers Fair, Video Premiere, (City Hall)12:00 pm ...............Youth Pageant (First Baptist Church)12:00 pm.......Aglaia Duck Race (Farmer’s Mkt-Bonham)12:30 pm........Live Music All Day, All Night (Downtown)2:30 pm ......................Commerce Idol Winners perform3:00 pm ........................................Li-Sher Dance Studio

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th

Additional family fun can be found throught historic downtown Commerce include some of the following:

Golf Tournament PrizeAll participants in the Bois d’Arc Bash Golf Tourna-ment at Sand Hills Country Club have an oppor-tunity to win this Chevrolet Aveo 4 door Sedan if they get a hole-in-one on the eighth hole. The prize has been generously provided by Williams Motors. The Avio gets 34 miles per gallon on the highway and retails for $16,700. The tournament is happen-ing on Friday Sept. 24 and is a Florida Scramble.Check with the Chamber if you want to play.

Pocket Guide available at the Chamber booth, around town and online

Page 6 September 24. 25, 26 2010

Page 7Page 7 September 24. 25, 26 2010BOIS d’ARC BASH

Perhaps there is still time to follow Nick’s recommendation

by calling the Commerce Chamber of Commerce at

903.886.3950 to register for the 5K or by showing up

for final registration at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25,

on the northwest corner of the downtown square.

to Be Part of the 5K Bash Run

Nick continues, “At last year’s Bash,

I saw my usual runners in the race

and was surprised by the fast pace.

A woman was out front, and she

was an amazing runner. Karen

Prisby, an assistant cross-country

track coach on campus, was in way

better shape than the rest of us.

She was hard to keep up with. I

hear she has moved to the

northwest to coach at

another university.”

Puzzling over why a person

chooses to run, Nick concluded,

“It makes everything else in your

day easier. Little things are less

of a strain, like climbing the stairs

or clearing your mind, or thinking

through some problem or idea. I

would advise everyone to run. I

sometimes run on the treadmills

in the air-conditioned Morris

Recreation Center, but the streets

of Commerce are my usual route.”

Sand Hills Country Club6 person Florida Scramble

5KR U N & W A L KR U N & W A L K

Last

For those who have not made the

wise decision to participate, Nick

Minton, a student and photographer

at Texas A&M University- Commerce

has some compelling words of

encouragement. Nick begins, “I’m

always running, and I thought the

Bash 5K would be fun. It was a bit

challenging to get up early and be

ready to run at 8 a.m. I usually run

at night. The course was good. I

train on the streets of Commerce,

so it wasn’t that different than

my typical workout.”

Readers who spot this bit of news about the

2010 Bois d’Arc Bash still have until 7:45 a.m.

on Saturday, Sept. 25, to join the runners, walkers,

and four-legged friends in the race through

the streets of Commerce. Final registration

begins at 7:30 and the 5K begins at 8 a.m.

fun

out front

It makes everything elsein your day easier.

Play the Bash Blast Naming GameMax Mix, Bash Mash, Bash Bubbly, Bois d’Arc Bootleg, Bois d’Arc Apple Elixir, Bois d’Arc Concoction, Commerce

Cooler...what do we call it. We’ve concocted a delectable beverage to keep you cool and to commemorate the 25th

annual celebration. You must try one to inspire naming it. The beverage is available at the Chamber Concession

Stand located at Alamo and Washington Street. Our beverage cups have been generously donated by Guarantee

Bond Bank. Simply post your name idea on our Facebook page, right now from your smart phone, or when

you have a chance...we will officially tally the names and share our new Bash beverage name

in time for next years celebration.

Chance

FREE PULL OUT POSTER: Hang in your window and if spotted by the Bash Team, you’ll have a chance to get a shout out from the stage.

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ARTS &WRITERS FAIR

BOIS d’ARC

Page 10 September 24. 25, 26 2010

ARTS & WRITERS FAIRBash Treating Families to City Hall Events Five Bois d’Arc Bash attractions with appeal for all family members are scheduled in the Commerce City Hall on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. First, a gathering of regional writers will provide an opportunity to ask questions about how they write, where they get ideas for their books, complete the composing process, and get their publications before the public. The chance to get acquainted with each author will be afforded each family member. Here is the opportunity to meet an author and to buy or order signed books. Among the books will be a novel set in Hopkins County; a biography of Dr. Paul Barrus, beloved Commerce resident; a new novel set in Cooper; and Wood Eternal: The Story of Osage Orange, Bois d’Arc etc., in which Commerce plays a leading role. Second, The second attraction in the lobby of City Hall will be displays, sales, and demonstrations by local craftsmen who use bois d’arc in their work. Jerry Lytle will show his canes and walking sticks as well as fascinating portions of bois d’arc he has trans-formed from a natural specimen of wood to a work of art. He will be offering collectors his unique “forever sticks” with attached bookmarks. Jerry created the sticks for his grandchildren, telling them to place the portions of bois d’arc in a safe place and to visit them often because they would be waiting for them. He explained that the sticks endured forever, just as his grandfather’s love did. An attached bookmark will explain the origins of the forever sticks. He will demonstrate with a single bois d’arc branch how he removes bark, sapwood, or heartwood to reveal an intriguing layer of the wood’s unique beauty. Art Hendrix will demonstrates how he makes writing pens from bois d’arc and other wood. He will show blocks of wood ready for turning on a lathe and then the shapes that can be created on the lathe. He will also explain how the mechanical parts of the pen are joined to the turned wood. Jay and Kent Garrett will be displaying the wooden signs they have made form bois d’arc and other wood. With clever savings burned into the wood, the Garrett brothers have used Texas and Western motifs in many of their designs. They also turned on their lathe what they call “attitude adjusters” resembling the policeman’s nightstick and showcasing the bright yellow grain of bois d’arc heartwood. Other local wood craftsmen have been invited to display their work in the City Hall lobby. Third, a new video titled “Commerce: Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas” will be shown at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The video introduces the viewer to the bois d’arc tree and to Max, the largest specimen in Commerce and the second largest in Texas. After some historical background on the tree and mention of several famous folk linked to bois d’arc, a pictorial tour of Commerce will explain why the city is the bois d’arc capital of the state. Interviews with five area citizens enthralled with bois d’arc in various ways are included The final scenes of the video will be shot during the 2010 Bash, and families will want to be in front of the camera when these activities are recorded for the conclusion of the production. Dave Walvoord is cameraman for the production, and Fred Tarpley is scriptwriter and producer. Fourth, art displays by third, fourth, and fifth graders of Ms. Plunkett at A.C. Williams school in Commerce will give a preview of the work of future artists. Examples of bois d’arc-related art will be exhibited in the main hallway of City Hall. Commerce High School Art Students of Denise Harris are exhibiitng non-traditional mandalas at 1209 Washington Street in a building owned by Ray and Sheri Embro’s American Eagles Properties. Ashley Bryan and The TAMU-C Art Club will have an art activities center to give families some hand-on experience with creativity. Get photographed by Paul Bryan and Photo 111 students at their photo booth. Fifth, a bulletin board will deliver testimonials from regional and national experiments with horse apples (the fruit of the bois d’arc tree) in repelling cock roaches, spiders, crickets skunks, and other unwelcome pests. The exhibit of surprising information was coordinated by Fred Tarpley and is available to travel to interested schools and organizations. All of the City Hall activities are free, and the air-conditioned building will be an enticement for every member of the family to retreat for a time from the sunny skies which usually warm the Bash in downtown Commerce.

BOIS d’ARC BASHBOIS d’ARCGet your

Bois d’Arc Bash

T-Shirts

food pizza, nachosBash Concessions.

Get your Bois d’Arc Bash T-shirts at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce booth located at the corner of Alamo and Wash-ington. They come in a variety of sizes and new this year we have limited kids sizes. $12.00 while they last.

Besides the on-stage entertainment, the Bois d’Arc Bash also offers a wide variety of food booths around the square and dowtown streets of Commerce to satisfy your cravings. After bruning a ton of en-ergy watching bands like the Ed Burleson and our after hours treats, you’re going to need to recharge your batteries. We’ve got hot pizza by the slice as well as nachos at the Chamber Concession stand on the corner of Alamo and Washington

Page 11

Commerce Chamber Events Presents

Oct16 th

1232 Bonham Alley FARMER’S MKT. PARKING LOT

COMMERCE

COMMERCE

S A T U R D A Y

(Downtown, behind Main St)

MarketDayMarketDay

11th AnnualNortheast Texas Chptr. Int’l Wine & Food Society

Wine Tasting Sept.25 at the Farmers Market StandThe Northeast Texas Chapter of the International Wine and Food Society will host its 11th annual wine tasting event from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday September 25, 2010. The event will be located at the Farmers Market on Bonham Alley in downtown Commerce, Texas. Several fine Texas wines will be featured. Tickets are $15.00 each and include a complimentary wine glass and four tastings. Proceeds from the event benefit the Wine and Food Society endowed scholarship fund at Texas A&M University-Commerce.Corporate Sponsors for this year’s tasting include Duncan Insurance Agency, Ballew Travel Consultants, Cypress Bank, Flying L Food & Beverage Store, Guaranty Bond Bank, Howard & Joy Davis, DBA H&R Block, Ruth Ann White, Texas A&M Commerce Office of the President, among others. Tickets available at the Event. The International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS) is the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society. The Society’s mission is the promotion of a broad knowledge and understanding of both wine and food, the enhancement of their appreciation, and the nurturing of camaraderie among those who share the pleasures of the table. The IW&FS is a worldwide organization founded in 1933 by André L. Simon, CBE, Legion d’Honneur (1877-1970), who was renowned as a bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian and writer. In his words, the purpose of the Society “is to bring together and serve all who believe that a right understanding of good food and wine is an essential part of personal contentment and health, and that an intelligent approach to the pleasures and problems of the table offers far greater rewards than the mere satisfaction of appetite.” Simon’s energy and charm ultimately enabled him to generate branches throughout the world so that today there are more than 6,000 members in 130 branches in 30 countries.Date: Sat. Sept 25Time: 4-8Admission: $15 Must be 21

BOIS d’ARC BASHAnswers to bois d’arc questions: 1. D,; 2. C. 3; A; 4. B; 5. E; 6. E; 7; C; 8; B; 9. D; 10. D.

1.What does the name bois d’arc mean?A. boys of the forestB. wood of Noah’s arkC. dark woodD. wood of the bowE. beautiful tree

2. Who was the first American president to know about bois d’arc?A. George WashingtonB. Andrew JacksonC. Thomas JeffersonD. Theodore RooseveltE. James Monroe

3. What is the average number of seeds from the bois d’arc fruit filling a bushel basket?A. 14,000B. 45,000C. 500D. 2,369E. 7,052

4. What side effect is sometimes experienced by humans in contact with the sap of the horse apple?A. hallucinationsB. dermatitisC. wartsD. acneE. fainting spells

5. Where is the only place in the world where the bois d’arc is still a native tree?A. Death ValleyB. Niagara FallsC. Rio Grande ValleyD. Midwest prairiesE. Red River Valley and Blackland Prairie

6. What are common names for the tree whose scientific name is Maclura pomifera?A. Monkey brain, stinking wood, cow appleB. Hedge, yellowwood, bow-woodC. Bois d’arc, Osage orange, hedge plantD. Mock orange, horse apple tree, brass wood E. All of the above.

Bois d’Arc Bash

Trivia Quiz7. What name has been given to the largest bois d’arc tree in Commence, the second largest in Texas?A. Big LeoB. Gigantic GeorgeC. Big MaxD. Giant JenniferE. Mighty Kong

8. Where in Texas is the current champion bois d’arc, based on its measurements?A. HoustonB. New BostonC. DallasD. Caddo MillsE. Sulphur Springs

9. Who introduced the bois d’arc to the world outside American Indian lands?A. Christopher ColumbusB. Cabeza de VacaC. Davy CrockettD. Meriwether LewisE. Brigham Young

10. Why do some bois d’arc trees not produce horse apples?A. They are barren.B. They are diseased.C. They have been neutered.D. They are male trees.E. They were cursed by medicine men long ago.

The answers to the questions above are found on p. 11.

Citizens of the Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas invite everyone to share in their knowledge of

the tree they celebrate at their annual fall festival. This year’s Bois d’Arc Bash is September

23-25. Here are some basic questions to answer about the Bash’s namesake tree.

Wood Eternal: The Story of Osage Orange, Bois d’Arc, etc by Fred Tarpley will be published this fall. Tarpley, the founding director of the Commerce Bois d’Arc Bash, promises that the 350-page volume will answer the ten questions above, as well as 10,000 others. The comprehensive study of Macluna pomifera was the result of more than twenty-five years of research. Naturally, Commerce plays an important role in the book.

September 24. 25, 26 2010

Page 12

B E C R O W N E D

Calling all contestants for the crown of

Miss or Master Bois d’Arc

and the honor of represent Commerce for the upcoming year.

The Bois d’ Arc Bash Pageant is a great local opportuntiy for you, your children or grandchildren to compete and practice

presenting themselves in public and empowering them to achieve goals while providing a forum to express their

opinions, talent and intelligence.

Now in its 25th year the Commerce Bois d’Arc Bash celebrates the Bois d’ Arc Tree and its fruit named after the

tree (pronouned “bodark”), which is french for “bow wood”. It is also refered to as an Osage orange tree, hedge apple

tree and horse apple tree. We celebrate this hard and tough tree and hope you will join us to create a pageant embracing this long Bash history and even longer and richer history of

Commerce as we come upon its 125th Anniversary of founding.

If you missed the Pageant today, consider asking a contestant to make an appearance at one of your public

events. It’s great practice for the contestants and great for Commerce to share its royalty.

Contact the Chamber for further information.

BOIS d’ARCP A G E A N T

BOIS d’ARC BASHAnnie Golightly Returning for Bash Reunionsby Fred Tarp ley

Among the regional writers returning to Commerce to sign their books in City

Hall during the 2010 Bois d’Arc Bash, Annie Golightly anticipates the event with

fond memories and high expectations. The writers fair is scheduled in the City Hall

rotunda from noon until 4 p.m. on September 25.

Born Annie Milford on a cotton farm in the Mud Dig community north of

Commerce in Fannin County, she graduated from the local high school before

having a career pursue her as an entertainer, an owner of food and beverage

businesses, an artist, and an author. She and eight other Commerce

classmates still have regular gatherings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Annie and her older brother,

Dale Milford, are remembered by many residents in the Commerce area. Dale became the weatherman at WFAA

Channel 8 TV in Dallas and later served two terms as a U.S. congressman.

For thirty-six years, Annie earned celebrity status in Dallas-Fort Worth as a singer in hotel lounges and as owner of

Golighty’s in Fort Worth. where she managed the kitchen, greeted the guests, and sang an amazing repertoire of songs

nightly. She performed with Tom T. Hall, Rex Allen, Rosemary Clooney, Ace Reed, and Arthur Duncan. Some of the

personalities in her audiences were Gov. John and Nellie Connally, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Chuck Connors, Nelson

Rockefeller, and four presidents including the presidents of Panama and Argentina. She borrowed the name of

Golightly from a fan who agreed that it was a better professional name than Annie Smith, the surname of her husband.

Annie, proud of her bois d’arc heritage, always told her customers at Golightly’s how she happened to have a

layer of bois d’arc slabs on top of her famous bar. “My grandfather had this bois d’arc wood in Fannin County, and

I wanted to have it close to me,” she declares.

Before Golightly’s, Annie performed at the Texas Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. After coming under the spell

of Annie’s singing, the president of Panama signed her to fly to Panama to entertain at state events. Two bodyguards

accompanied her throughout the trip.

Along her career trail, Annie raised five children and was lauded in Fort Worth for decades of Thanksgiving dinners

served to anyone needing a meal. After retirement, she earned a B.A. degree in English from Texas Wesleyan University.

About the time Annie completed her degree in 1994, she heard of 300 longhorn cattle to be driven from the Fort Worth

stockyards to Miles City, Montana. She was offered a job as the only woman entertainer on the trail, but she refused so

sign the contract until management allowed her to herd the longhorns during the daylight hours. “I relived my dreams

of being part of such a drive, and I sat tall in the saddle,” Annie wrote in her journals. She tells friends, “From the time I

was three, I wanted to ride anything with hair and four legs.” On the longhorn drive, Annie had two horses with her.

Her most exciting moment on horseback in Commerce came in the late 1940s after the Christmas parade when

she rode her horse bareback behind all the floats and marching bands. As she and her equestrian friends chatted, one

of the fellows shouted, “Annie, I dare you to ride that horse into the City Café.”

“I can take anything but a dare,” Annie smiles. While the challenger held the front door wide open, Annie rode inside

and put her horse through a few maneuvers for the diners. The two owners, who had escaped Hitler’s invasion of the

Netherlands and had come to Commerce to open a café adjacent to the present Chamber of Commerce location,

ordered Annie out of their business. They knew her well because she had worked there as a waitress in high school.

From her journals about the longhorn cattle drive of 1995, Annie wrote Dreams and a White Horse in 2007, pub-

lished by Season of Harvest Press owned by Jim Ainsworth of Commerce. Earlier she had published Down a

Cotton Row.

Annie presently lives in Corsicana, Texas, enjoying keeping in touch with Commerce folk and all the friends she

made during a creative career. In the rotunda of Commerce City Hall, Annie cannot be missed during the Bash book

signing hours. She will be the one with a long ponytail, designer boots, pounds of turquoise on her arms, wearing a

Western getup and surrounded by an adoring audience enjoying her wit and savvy. Commerce will no doubt give

Annie Golightly a special welcome to the Bash.

Bois d’Arc Magic Mulch Debuts as Bash Souvenir For friends of Bash visitors who are unable

to attend the three-day festival on Sept. 24-26, a

thoughtful remembrance of what they missed will

be the 2010 souvenir. Called “Bois d’Arc Magic

Mulch,” the familiar bois d’arc sawdust is mixed with

captivating, curly particles produced by a wizard with

a chain saw. An attractive label gives instructions for

benefitting from the magical powers of the mulch.

At only $2 each, the souvenir packets are available at

the Chamber of Commerce concessions booth on the

town square and in the lobby of City Hall. Proceeds

are used for Chamber of Commerce projects.

September 24. 25, 26 2010

Science dissects the botanical wonder from fruit to

root. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the tree’s

usefulness is the application of the fruit as a repellent to

insects and varmints. The 2010 Bois d’Arc Bash in Commerce,

Texas, on September 23-25 intends to resolve all doubts about

whether the bois d’arc can rid residences of cockroaches,

crickets, spiders, silverfish, skunks, armadillos, and other

pests. Anyone with experience in combating these

unwelcome critters with horse apples, as they are known

locally, is invited to report successes, failures, or undeter-

mined results to Bois d’Arc Bash leaders in Commerce. Results will be tabulated and made

public at future bois d’arc celebrations. Written information should be sent or delivered

to Trey Boyles, manager of the Commerce Chamber of Commerce at 1114 Main Street,

Commerce, TX 75428 or emailed to him at commercechamber@embarqmail.com.

Information may also be sent to Dr. Fred Tarpley, founding director of the Bash, and

author of a new book on the bois d’arc tree entitled Wood Eternal to be published before

the horse apples begin to ripen and fall in September. He receives mail at 4540 FM 1568,

Campbell, TX 75422 and email at Fred_Tarpley@TAMU-Commerce edu.

His telephone number is 903-886-6498.

The effectiveness of bois d’arc fruit as insect control often arises when gardening

Q&A columnists are asked for advice, giving skeptical journalists an opportunity to

become comedians in their replies. A typical response to questions about using horse

apples to control cockroaches is, “One sure way to defeat the roaches is to take a hefty

horse apple in your hand and slam it right on top of an unsuspecting cockroach.”

Despite the light-hearted response of many writers, respected scientific research labor-

atories, such as the one at Kansas State University in the middle of thousands of miles of

bois d’arc hedges, cite studies affirm the effectiveness of the fruit as an insect deterrent.

Cliff McInan of KSU reported, “We found that hedge apples [horse apples] repel crickets.

But it kills cockroaches, though not right away.”

Commerce, the “Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas” by legislative decree, will set to rest the

indecision about bois d’arc fruit as insecticide with testimonials from regional residents.

A report summarizing the local testimonials will be combined with findings of

reputable scientific laboratories.

Reports on experiences with horse apples as pest combatants should include the

following information: (1) preparation of the horse apple for doing its job; (2) placement

of the horse apples; (3) repellent targets; (4) results; (5) other comments. Tarpley’s first report

is for dispatching armadillos and skunks to more enjoyable abodes than they had found

for midnight rumbles under a portion of his home on pier and beams. Twelve ripened

horse apples were rolled under the pier and beam section of the house with no special

preparation. Within a week the odoriferous skunks and the grubbing armadillos had fled.

Tarpley and the Chamber of Commerce are anticipating valuable reports from

horse apple-bearing citizens about their efforts to control local varmints.

Page 13 BOIS d’ARC BASHAnnie Golightly Returning for Bash Reunionsby Fred Tarp ley

Among the regional writers returning to Commerce to sign their books in City

Hall during the 2010 Bois d’Arc Bash, Annie Golightly anticipates the event with

fond memories and high expectations. The writers fair is scheduled in the City Hall

rotunda from noon until 4 p.m. on September 25.

Born Annie Milford on a cotton farm in the Mud Dig community north of

Commerce in Fannin County, she graduated from the local high school before

having a career pursue her as an entertainer, an owner of food and beverage

businesses, an artist, and an author. She and eight other Commerce

classmates still have regular gatherings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Annie and her older brother,

Dale Milford, are remembered by many residents in the Commerce area. Dale became the weatherman at WFAA

Channel 8 TV in Dallas and later served two terms as a U.S. congressman.

For thirty-six years, Annie earned celebrity status in Dallas-Fort Worth as a singer in hotel lounges and as owner of

Golighty’s in Fort Worth. where she managed the kitchen, greeted the guests, and sang an amazing repertoire of songs

nightly. She performed with Tom T. Hall, Rex Allen, Rosemary Clooney, Ace Reed, and Arthur Duncan. Some of the

personalities in her audiences were Gov. John and Nellie Connally, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Chuck Connors, Nelson

Rockefeller, and four presidents including the presidents of Panama and Argentina. She borrowed the name of

Golightly from a fan who agreed that it was a better professional name than Annie Smith, the surname of her husband.

Annie, proud of her bois d’arc heritage, always told her customers at Golightly’s how she happened to have a

layer of bois d’arc slabs on top of her famous bar. “My grandfather had this bois d’arc wood in Fannin County, and

I wanted to have it close to me,” she declares.

Before Golightly’s, Annie performed at the Texas Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. After coming under the spell

of Annie’s singing, the president of Panama signed her to fly to Panama to entertain at state events. Two bodyguards

accompanied her throughout the trip.

Along her career trail, Annie raised five children and was lauded in Fort Worth for decades of Thanksgiving dinners

served to anyone needing a meal. After retirement, she earned a B.A. degree in English from Texas Wesleyan University.

About the time Annie completed her degree in 1994, she heard of 300 longhorn cattle to be driven from the Fort Worth

stockyards to Miles City, Montana. She was offered a job as the only woman entertainer on the trail, but she refused so

sign the contract until management allowed her to herd the longhorns during the daylight hours. “I relived my dreams

of being part of such a drive, and I sat tall in the saddle,” Annie wrote in her journals. She tells friends, “From the time I

was three, I wanted to ride anything with hair and four legs.” On the longhorn drive, Annie had two horses with her.

Her most exciting moment on horseback in Commerce came in the late 1940s after the Christmas parade when

she rode her horse bareback behind all the floats and marching bands. As she and her equestrian friends chatted, one

of the fellows shouted, “Annie, I dare you to ride that horse into the City Café.”

“I can take anything but a dare,” Annie smiles. While the challenger held the front door wide open, Annie rode inside

and put her horse through a few maneuvers for the diners. The two owners, who had escaped Hitler’s invasion of the

Netherlands and had come to Commerce to open a café adjacent to the present Chamber of Commerce location,

ordered Annie out of their business. They knew her well because she had worked there as a waitress in high school.

From her journals about the longhorn cattle drive of 1995, Annie wrote Dreams and a White Horse in 2007, pub-

lished by Season of Harvest Press owned by Jim Ainsworth of Commerce. Earlier she had published Down a

Cotton Row.

Annie presently lives in Corsicana, Texas, enjoying keeping in touch with Commerce folk and all the friends she

made during a creative career. In the rotunda of Commerce City Hall, Annie cannot be missed during the Bash book

signing hours. She will be the one with a long ponytail, designer boots, pounds of turquoise on her arms, wearing a

Western getup and surrounded by an adoring audience enjoying her wit and savvy. Commerce will no doubt give

Annie Golightly a special welcome to the Bash.

LoyalVolunteers Support Bash

Each Year Behind the scenes, hundreds of citizens work each year to stage the Bois

d’Arc Bash as it welcomes visitors to Commerce during a three-day event-filled

festival. They are performing the function of bois d’arc ambassadors at large Gov.

Ann Richards had in mind when she designated the town as bois d’arc capital of

Texas and challenged residents to spread the word about the honored tree.

Each year an individual who has been an exemplary Bash leader is chosen

to lead the Saturday morning parade as its marshal. This year, Rhonda Shannon’s

longtime service to the Bash and to the Commerce Chamber of Commerce make

her an ideal choice for parade marshal.

Two other citizens who come to mind when effective volunteers are mentioned

are Janet Estes Peek and Jim Conrad. For eighteen years, ever since Mayor Jack Bell

asked them to welcome visitors and make an informative presentation, the pair

has created varied programs. They have conducted tours of Bois d’Arc Street that

evolved into virtual tours made via video at the Masonic Lodge and demonstrated

how useful objects can be made from the bois d’arc tree. Janet is a retired teacher

at the local high school and university, and she makes significant contributions to

many community projects. As a popular wedding planner, she is completing a book

on her experiences in making nuptial ceremonies memorable and characterized by

impeccably good taste. This year Janet will be on the square greeting visitors and

providing information about her hometown... She can easily be spotted wearing her

ever-changing bois d’arc frocks and carrying a basket with a horse apple nestled in it.

Jim, recently retired as director of special collections at the Gee Library of Texas

A&M University-Commerce, has written A Brief History of Commerce and has

discovered how to make practical objects from the bois d’arc tree. He has created

several shades of dye from bois d’arc, roots, bark, horse apples, and leaves. He has

produced paper from the horse apples and roots. He mats and frames bois d’arc

leaves as attractive decorations. His flowers fashioned from thin baked slices of

horse apples mounted on florist wires are perhaps his most popular products.

Jim is very easy to find during the Bash. He is the man in the bois d’arc

tree suit with dangling horse apples, a costume designed by Evonne

Richardson, another versatile volunteer. At the 2010 Bash, Jim will be

at a booth on the square displaying uses of the bois d’arc tree.

In every aspect of the Bash, local volunteers are seeking ways to make guests

comfortable and well-informed about the significance of the annual celebration.

Folklore cavorts around bois d’arc trees.

September 24. 25, 26 2010

Page 14

Mission StatementThe purpose of the Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the common business interest of merchants and citizens living and working in the city of Commerce, Texas, and in the immediate area; promote the free enterprise system; encourage the commercial, industrial, agricultural development of the City of Commerce and the immediate area; and assume a role of active leadership in community improvement. The Chamber shall stand for local harmony, cooperation and progress and shall be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-sectional in its activities.

to join us and make an impact locally.We want

you

Call 903.886.3950 to join the Chamber today!

o f c o m m e r c e

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C h a m b e r M e m b e r s h i p L e v e l sStudent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... $25Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . $50Clubs and Churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . $50Business Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....$150(1-10 full-time employees)Business Membership . . . . . . . . . . . .... . .$200(over 10 full-time employees).Hotels, Motels & Apartments . . . . . . . . . $200Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... $250Manufacturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $500Utility Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $500Website Link Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... $25

Something for Sunday On Sunday, Sept. 26, the Bash will culminate with the 15th Annual Car & Truck Show. Entrants come from all over northeast Texas and the surrounding area. We hope to haveover 100 entrants in this year’s show with awards presented to the top two in each of over 20 classes. Trophies and cash prizes will go to Best In Show Car, Best In Show Truck, Mayor’s Choice, Most Miles Driven, and Club Participation. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 pot. Registration is $20 and forms are available at the Chamber office. Music will be provided by DJ Dave and a BBQ lunch will be available. The Commerce FFA Alumni

By Michael Dupper, Ed.D., Jim Gilbert, Ed.D., CPRP , and StephanieBaller, MS

University of Mississippi Complete survey at http://www.msahperd.com/ejournal/fadcc.html

A study was conducted with automobile enthusiasts from in six cities in the south. Each location had a history of longevity related to car shows featuring automobiles classified in contemporary literature as street rods, restored classics, muscle cars, and antique automobiles and trucks. A cumulative total of approximately 850 automobiles were displayed and 150 surveys where taken. Beginning in the 1920’s, noted as the ‘classic period’ of automobiles, cars began to be entrenched in twentieth-century American society for utilitarian purposes. By 1945, from the close of World War II until the mid 1950’s, a pent-up demand for automobiles erupted in America.This explosion was fueled by returning servicemen, young parents, older adults and teenagers. The evolution of automobiles in America gradually led to the creation of related sub-cultures identified in literature as hot rodders, street rodders, customizers, ‘resto-rodders, antique car restorers, and ‘low-riders’s. During the affluent post-war years of the 1950-60s, car enthusiast activities became symbolized through ‘hot rods’, drag racing, ‘customized cars’, and car shows. This time period described by some as ‘the Golden Age’ of automobiles. The major automobile makers in Detroit consistently responded to car enthusiast’s interests as noted by the 1960s ‘muscle car’ era, the ‘pony cars’ of the 1970s, and the nostalgia-driven market of the late 1990-2000s with Daimler-Chrysler Corporation (Prowler – roadster / PT Cruiser – ‘woody’ station wagon), General Motors (Chevrolet SSR - street rod pickup) and Ford Motor Company (Thunderbird – sports car). Automobile cult-status evolved nationwide through the establishment of specialized automobile associations. The movement began in 1948 with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) followed by the Kustoms of America (1950), National Street Rod Association (NSRA) in 1970, Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) in the late 1970’s, and the Good-Guys Rod and Custom Association in 1986.The initial custom-car show appeared in Los Angeles in 1948, and from that event interest in car show extravaganzas spread nationwide. During the 1960s, at the peak of popularity, Carl Casper Custom Automobile Shows were held at 45 venues nationwide (Nord, 2000). In 2002, Louisville (KY) hosted the most recent Carl Casper car shows touted as the nation’s largest indoor custom-car exhibition (Nord, 2002).The show attracted over 100,000 spectators and displayed over 500 automobiles. Earlier, however, in the 1970s interest in car shows and related events waned due to economic factors of elevated gasoline prices, gasoline shortages, and the influx of foreign automobiles into American markets. However, by the 1980’s, a core group of nostalgia-driven ‘baby-boomers’ began to fuel a resurgence of car-related activities such as car shows and rod runs.These events again featured restored automobiles, street rods, custom-builds, and antique machines. In 2002, Louisville was also host to the NSRA’s 33rd annual Street Rod Nationals car show, which attracted over 12,000 enthusiasts who displayed only pre-1949 automobiles. Further fueling the automobile phenomenon was the automobile related-components specialty market supported by owners of street rods, hot rods and custom cars. In 2002 the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), composed of 3,900 member companies, stated this specialty market represented $21.2 billion in annual retail business and served over 7 million enthusiasts. Currently, there are hundreds of car shows nationwide with an estimated“350,000 rods and customs registered in the United States” and an additional “50,000 under construction”. The current resurgence in interest in authentically styled nostalgia rods is a reaction and rejection of high-tech contemporary automobiles. Further notes that adults often focus attention to ‘important’ cars of their youth,which created rolling museums of car shows. This survey reflected a small but dedicated number of car enthusiasts who drive, display and share information and fellowship with their respective peers.Unlike the automobile mega-shows at Carlisle (PA), Pebble Beach (CA), Petit Jean (AR), or Cruising-on-the Coast (Biloxi, MS), the car enthusiast’s appear to represent the not-so-silent majority blue-collar workers of the car world. Although the vehicles are the primary impetus of the small-town shows, not far behind are the camaraderie and purpose which attracts like-minded individuals. One constant appears is that the collector car enthusiast will continue to be active and committed to many hours of mechanical and sheet metal restoration, driving to/from, and displaying at weekend car shows.

Fad, Cult or Culture: The Popularity of Street Rod, Muscle Car, and Customized Car Enthusiast’s Car Shows

always cook up some great barbecue and it helps support the FFA’s projects. So shine up your car, truck or motorcycle and come on down to the square on Sunday to finish off the Bash with a bang!

September 24. 25, 26 2010

Page 15 September 24. 25, 26 2010BOIS d’ARC BASH

Across Texas, festivals throughout the year provide not only pleasure but also

economic stimulus and identities for towns little known except as names of a map. The

Commerce Bois d’Arc Bash is turning twenty-five in 2010, and introspection is a natural

process at this milestone. Starting as a one-day event in 1986, the celebration has

evolved into a full weekend of activities and a significant economic impact on the city.

It all started after a year-long series of activities commemorating the 100th

anniversary of the incorporation of Commerce

left the citizens wanting to continue the festivities

each year on the Saturday closest to Sept. 25, the

date of incorporation. The establishment of a local

history center at the Commerce Public Library under

the leadership of Dr. Maude Johnson prompted a

calendar of events including the historical Commerce

pageant, directed by Janet Estes Peek and written by

Fred Tarpley. The cast of 150 citizens performed in

the Commerce High School auditorium, depicting

the town’s first century in documentary scenes

and songs. Townspeople attired in 1885 styles

traveled to other towns to promote the centennial,

and Commerce enjoyed varied events scheduled

each month. A downtown festival on Sept. 25

ended the celebration with ceremonies and unparalleled bonding of citizens.

Dr. Jack Bell, mayor of Commerce, heard the clamor for continuing the fall festival.

He asked Fred Tarpley, an English professor, if he had any ideas for a September event.

Realizing that Texas towns had already claimed the most likely themes, he examined

the adulation of roses in Tyler, cotton in Greenville, yams in Gilmer, oil in Hawkins,

Davy Crockett in Honey Grove, and fire ants in Marshall. Having become fascinated

by the bois d’arc tree as a fourth generation Northeast Texan and observing that the

trees are at their botanical peak on Sept. 25, he presented an outline of how a bois

d’arc festival could focus on the unusual tree and provide public fun at the same

time. The location of Commerce in the middle of the only native locale of the tree

remaining on the planet made bois d’arc a natural focus for a local celebration.

After Joann Parkman presented the bois d’arc proposal to the Chamber

board, unanimous approval of the September event set off intensive planning

and involvement of the entire town. Mayor Bell, who was fond of alliteration,

suggested the name of Bois d’Arc Bash and commissioned Gordon Thomas, director

of creative services at the university, to design the first Bash logo. Gordon found his

model for the bois d’arc tree growing in the yard of Richard and Mary Miller two

miles south of Commerce. Tee shirts were designed, the Bois d’Arc parade was

established, vendors filled downtown streets, a 5K run was organized, entertainers

performed non-stop on a single stage, and a street dance on the historic town square

with music by the Blandelles sent rock and roll classics enlivening the evening until

midnight. Today, Jack Bell, Joann Parkman, and Fred Tarpley are recognized as the three

founders of the Bash. Tarpley served as director for the first

six years and was succeeded by a series of dynamic directors.

The Commerce Chamber of Commerce membership

takes the lead in organizing the Bash each year, with

invaluable support from the City of Commerce, Texas A&M

University-Commerce, dozens of organizations, and hundreds

of local volunteers. The City of Commerce and every

local taxpayer benefit greatly from the Bash, which keeps

citizens in town for the weekend, spending money here

that they would ordinarily take elsewhere. Not to mention

the new money coming into the community from visitors

and visiting vendors as well as an industry standard 1.5

multiplier that represents the effect on the total economic

activity on-site and within a region during such festivals.

The Bash also increases city sales tax revenues and local

business income. Other notable events, such as the Fourth of July celebration, are

financially supported by the Chamber and by the local business and sponsor base.

Milton Babb, Director of Tourism for Greenville has found research that

states the monetary impact of festivals and concluded that an event that attracts

5,000 to 6,000 visitors generates $250,000. What is generated in hometown pride

has not been estimated.

Estimates are that 2,000 hours of volunteer time are needed to support the

Bash each year. The Chamber welcomes additional volunteers and new members.

Memberships range from $25 a year for students and up to $500 a year for large

businesses. Members gain satisfaction in keeping the historic Bash and Commerce

a vital destination in Northeast Texas.

The Bois d’Arc Bash, as the community street fair allows the town to roll out

the red carpet to family, friends, and visitors. The event is on its way to becoming

one of the region’s premier festivals with a full weekend of activities. It unites the

community and creates a showcase for Commerce hospitality and ingenuity.

Festivals Drive Economic Engines and Give Towns Identity.A

W h i t e L e v e l S p o n s o r s

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W REVVERSION1114 Main Street

Commerce, TX 75428 commerce-chamber.com

903.886.3950

Another Event Powered By Your Chamber

LIVE OAK

C E N T E RPROFESSIONAL

Randall NoeCommerce Auto Group

Page 16 September 23, 24. 25, 26 2010BOIS d’ARC BASH

It’s in the heart of downtownCommerce

Thanks to our sponsors:

ONCOR

2102 Live OakCommerce, Texas 75428

“Your Hometown McDonald’s”

Ryan TrahanGeneral Manager903-886-7771

Dyer Insurance Agency, Inc.

All-American Self StorageAmerican Sign & DesignBickham FloristCelebrations Wedding CakesChapin Real EstateCommerce Lions ClubDixie Turman | State FarmDuncan InsuranceEast Texas Book StoreEdgar J. (Jay) GarrettEdward Jones & Co. Michael BatesEncompass Home Health

J J’s Quick LubeJohn & Billie BiggerstaffKartridge KornerLatson’sLisa ArnoldNancy & Keith McFar-landOak Meadow TownhomesO’ReillyRotary Club, CommerceSweeties DonutsThalian ClubThe Lodge The Catering Co.Valentine Properties

Affordable FurnitureAIS Financial ServicesAlliance BankAlliance Carpet|MohawkArnold Paint & BodyBois d’Arc B&BBowen Family HomesBriarcliff Health CenterCentury 21City SanitationChaney’s Check Cashing ExpressCommerce Housing AuthorityCommerce Veterinary Clinic

Country CleanersD&E Auto SupplyJalinna & Dan Jones, Allyson & AislinnDiversified InsuranceDoug Giffen, CFPFirst Baptist ChurchFirst United Methodist ChurchFix & Feed Commerce HardwareH&R BlockHoover AutomotiveJim Latham

Jackson Hewitt Tax ServiceKenneth Foust CPA PCLuminous ProductionsOats RanchOglesby & AssociatesThe RailWilliams MotorsWireless TNT (AT&T Wireless)

It’s in the heart of downtown Commerce on Main, Washington, Alamo and Park streets.Map

Directions

boisdarc-bash.com