Big Wheel Bash 2025: Dust, Sirens, and a Whole Lot of Horsepower

Woodie at the Big Wheel Bash

If you were in Winnsboro on Saturday, August 23rd, you probably heard it before you saw it, the thump-thump-thump of the Christus Flight for Life helicopter as it landed smack in the middle of the first-ever Big Wheel Bash. And let me tell you, nothing gets a small town buzzing like a big helicopter kicking up half of East Texas dust while kids (and plenty of wide-eyed adults) stand in awe. It was equal parts thrilling, noisy, and just plain fun.

Christus Flight For Life Making its Dusty Appearance

The Bash was a one-stop shop for heroes and horsepower.

Our EMS team, local police officers, the military, and of course, the ever-popular fire department came out to show off their gear.

The kids couldn’t get enough, climbing into the trucks, touching the tools, and even trying on the full firefighter get-up. And when I say full, I mean boots, suspenders, and that heavy helmet that could double as a workout session. (Yes, some of us crazy adults tried it too… and yes, it was just as heavy as it looks.)

WVFD

Every child walked away with a shiny Junior Firefighter sticker, and if you see me proudly sporting mine, just mind your business.

But the wheels… oh, the wheels! From the rumble of modern muscle to the timeless charm of vintage rides, the Big Wheel Bash had it all. Car lovers were in absolute heaven. Just a few highlights:

The legendary Bandit Truck, you could almost hear Jerry Reed singing.

Modern muscle like a 2019 Corvette ZR1, 2024 Corvette Z06, and a lineup of Mustangs (2015, 2007, and 2014).

Crowd favorites like the 1984 Chevy Pickup, Chevy Corvair, and a fleet of go-karts that had kids begging their parents to “just one more lap!”

The 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee”  because who doesn’t secretly want to jump a creek in that thing?

Oaklea’s own 1931 Ford Model A Woody Wagon, our pride and joy, stands tall among the legends.

Woodie proudly standing Tall at the Bash

And it wasn’t just cars. This is East Texas, after all. Our community rolled in the big equipment that built this town, tractors like the Farmall 4430, backhoes, and even a portable sawmill that had folks reminiscing about the days when sawmills kept Winnsboro humming. After all, historic landmarks like the Hubble House, the Cain Mansion, and yes, Oaklea Mansion, were born from these very woods.

Winnsboro's Own Mosaic Tractor

For us here at Oaklea, the highlight was, of course, seeing Woodie, our 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon, lined up with the classics, the modern marvels, and the machines that keep our community thriving. Standing there, surrounded by it all, felt like a reminder that history doesn’t just sit still; it rolls right alongside us.

And if you missed the Bash (or can’t get enough of these beauties), don’t worry, Winnsboro’s annual Classic Car Cruise-In is coming up on September 30th. Trust me, you’ll want to be here.

And here’s a tip: rooms at Oaklea Mansion book up faster than kids grabbing fireman stickers, so snag yours now and make a weekend of it.

Until then, we’ll be proudly dusting the last of that helicopter landing off our porch and dreaming of horsepower, heroism, and history on wheels.