Barbecue plans finalized by Chamber of Commerce

— After months of planning and preparation, chamber of commerce members met on Monday to make sure every last detail is ready for the 56th Annual Decatur Barbecue this Friday.

Pat Austin reported that people have called her from as far away as Washington State, Utah and Monterey, Mexico to find out about entertainer John ConleeÃ-s performance at the Barbecue.

Conlee is known for his signature songs "Rose Colored Glasses," "Lady Lay Down," "Backside Of Thirty," "Common Man," "I'm Only In It For The Love," "Friday Night Blues," and "I Don't Remember Loving You."

Austin said all the arrangements for the sound system, and setting up the stage have been made, as well as for Conlee's accommodations.

Chamber of commerce members voted to allow Tom Aman to sell fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and roasted corn-on-the-cob.

This is the first year the chamber has allowed for-profit vendors at the barbecue. There will be several other concession stands selling items like Indian taco desserts and peanuts, in addition to the non-profit vendors.

Chamber of commerce president Royce Johnson reported that there are nine Miss Decatur Barbecue contestants this year and seven tiny-tot contestants. He said pageant coordinators decided to take tinytot contest entries until Wednesday. Applications are available at any branch of the Decatur State Bank or online at www. DecaturStateBank.net.

Amy Brooks reported that Barbecue Tshirts are already on sale at the Decatur State Bank and the Decatur General Store for $10.

Johnson reported the chicken has been ordered and the soda-pop, potato chips, barbecue sauce and salt has already been obtained. The Decatur FFA and the Decatur High School junior class will be helping pack the chicken and the beans.

Adam McGee reported that he has a team of 18 to 20 people helping cook the chicken. They plan to begin at 3:30 a.m. and should be finished by 9:30 a.m.

Kim Beggs reported a Bentonville company will be bringing three to five inflatable rides for children to play on in the park in the late afternoon and evening hours. A rock wall will also be available.

News, Pages 1 on 08/05/2009