Bonham, Texas -- And the winner is....Bobbie Cox! Bonham Senior Center held its first annual All-American Meatloaf Bake-Off on Friday, July 3, 2026, and the judges selected Billie's entry as the tastiest meatloaf, with it's tantalizing combination of ground beef and sausage.
Second place in the All-American Meatloaf Bake-Off went to Susie Frizzell and third place went to Barbara Piersons.
The contest came about when Bonham Senior Center members began discussing the proper recipe for meatloaf. When it came to binding ingredients, some preferred bread crumbs, while others suggested small pieces of bread or even oatmeal.
That discussion resulted in the inaugural All-American Meatloaf Bake-Off.
Judges were Carroll Mulder, Sam Fox and Allen Rich.
The proof is in the pudding -- or meatloaf in this case -- and the judges decided that Bobbie Cox has bragging rights for a year!
Jim Adams and Jan Johnson, the president and secretary of Bonham Senior Center, respectively, made certain the bake-off went as planned.
The history of meatloaf in the U.S. dates back to the 1870s and it gained favor during the Great Depression as a way that families could stretch resources by using left-over ingredients, an inexpensive meat, spices, grains and crackers. Meatloaf sauces often include ketchup, barbecue sauce, a dash of mustard and a pinch of brown sugar.
The entertainment began at 1:00 p.m., courtesy of Jim Adams, Bonham Senior Center President, and his son, Mason Adams.
Now, for a little history (by Jim Adams)...
Way back in 1968-1970, a local rock n’ roll band, “The Sweet,” performed numerous times at what was referred to as the Civitan Club Bonham Youth Center. The Youth Center also was the location where seniors met daily for a nutritious meal. Golden K Kiwanis then became the overseer of the facility which eventually came to be known as the SNAP Center.
The City of Bonham saw fit to increase its support of Senior activities, acquired the facility at 210 E 6th St. and expanded its commitment with the relocation to the current site now referred to as the Bonham Texas Senior Center, which also is the hub for distributing Meals On Wheels dinners to needy seniors, throughout Fannin County.
Bonham Senior Center also continues the tradition of providing music, entertainment, and fellowship to the local community. Coincidentally, the current President, Jim Adams, performed as the lead guitarist and backup vocalist of The Sweet. Life continues to come full circle. As is often stated, be there or be square!
