DECATUR — The 57th Annual Decatur Barbecue Festival an Aug. 6 and 7 will combine everything the community has grown to love about the Decatur Barbecue and Bulldog Days.

This is the first year the Decatur Barbecue, sponsored by the Decatur Chamber ofCommerce, and Bulldog Days, sponsored by the city’s parks and recreation committee, will be held together as a combined festival.

The Decatur Barbecue began in 1953 as a Peterson Farms get-together. The chicken dinners, live entertainment and pageants have since become aDecatur tradition.

In contrast, Bulldog Days began in 2007 and is usually held in October. The festival has featured hot-air balloons, arts and crafts, and plenty of family fun. Last year the festival offered a carnival, but heavy rains and cold weather put a damper on the festivities.

Between the two festivals there will be plenty of fun for everyone, whetherits hot-air balloons, country music or cars and motorcycles.

On Friday, the chamber of commerce is planning children’s games, a parade, the Miss Decatur Barbecue Pageant and tiny-tot contest. The Bobbycolecarter Band will performing in the afternoon, and the evening will include entertainment by Ashlyn Methany and a free concert from country musician Buddy Jewell.

Traditional chicken dinners will be sold in Veterans Park and at the Decatur General Store beginning at 11 a.m., Friday, until supplies run out. Hamburgers and hot-dogs will be sold, beginning at 2 p.m.

The fun run, usually held on Friday morning, will be held on Saturday this year, according to organizer Amy Brooks. In past years, a number of people from outside Decatur have shown interest in the run but were unable to attend on Friday, Brooks explained.

A poker run, to benefit the Decatur 4-H and FFA students, a car show and local entertainment by Dazzle’em Dance Studios, the Bobbycolecarter Bandand the Flint Hill Ramblers is also planned for Saturday.

The festival will include train rides around the walking track in Veterans Park and will also include arts and craft vendors on both days, as well as hot-air balloon rides and a hot-air balloon glow on both evenings.

For more information about the barbecue festival and a detailed schedule of events, visit the Decatur State Bank Web site at www.decaturstatebank.net or call city hall at 752-3912.

News, Pages 1 on 07/28/2010