DECATUR — The 57th Annual Decatur Barbecue Festival was a success, according to Chamber of Commerce president Royce Johnson and Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Trip Lapham.
This is the first year the Decatur Barbecue and Bulldog Days were held back-to-back, and while the financial figures won’t be in until next month, the amount of community participation seemed to speak for itself.
On Friday, the day began with the smell of barbecued chicken wafting over the park as the chamber of commerce prepared 1,500 chicken dinners. As the day wore on, the chamber quickly sold out of chicken dinners, as well as hot dogs, and continued to sell hamburgers as fast as they could prepare them, well into the night.
Children enjoyed games in the morning, followed by the parade in the afternoon. Kyla Berry, of Bentonville, was named Miss Decatur Barbecue, and Loren Cripps, of Gentry, was runner-up.
Brynn Cordeiro won the tiny-tot contest, and Garrett Merworth was named tiny-tot king. Grady Tripp was runner-up for boys and Hailee Laminach was runner-up for girls.
The pageants were followed by a dazzling performance by Ashlyn Metheny, and featured entertainer Buddy Jewell.
On Saturday morning the fun run had a record attendance with 60 athletes participating in the 2k, 5k and 10k races. The poker run and car show also both had excellent attendance.
Motorcycle riders bought more than 90 poker hands, and more than 70 bikes participated in the ride, according to organizer Reuben Barns. The car show had 46 entries, according to Rick Tilly, and filled the park with bright colors and shiny chrome.
Hot-air balloon rides also proved to be a popular attraction on Friday and Saturday nights. Children and adults alike were excited about the opportunity to go up in the colorful balloon owned by Country Eagle, Inc.
While Johnson said he wasn’t quite ready for another barbecue on Monday, he was ready to start planning another one, he said. Planning for next year's event will begin at September's meeting.