DECATUR — Those who like their barbecue sizzling hot weren’t disappointed by the 58th Annual Decatur Barbecue on Saturday.

Temperatures that rose to 105 degrees, according to the Decatur State Bank sign, didn’t put a damper on the fun at the annual Barbecue.

The day began with the Fun Run, with more than 36 competitors. The Decatur State Bank awarded $25 to the fastest female and male in the 5K and 10K races.

As the sun began to rise higher in the sky over Veterans Park, children played traditional games which included a three-legged race, egg toss and always-popular frog-jumping contest.

Cars and trucks, antique and new, circled around the track in Veterans Park for the car show as the Owen Gains Band and Daddy’s Caddy performed on stage. Main Street was lined with families and children eager to catch the candy from the parade at 11 a.m.

Gerald Edmondson and the Zumba Ladies dance group were among performers in the afternoon. Visitors could also enjoy shopping for arts and crafts, camel rides, and a rock wall and bouncy house.

Meredith Emerson of Bella Vista was crowned the 2011 Miss Decatur Barbecue. As well as being a beauty queen, Emerson is a firefighter with the Bella Vista Fire Department and is attending the Northwest Arkansas Community College to earn her paramedic degree.

Photo Gallery

Decatur BBQ Festival - 58th

Tiny Tot contestants were as adorable as always and kept the crowd smiling with their big grins and big talents. Logan Erhart of Decatur was crowned Mister Tiny Tot and Hallee Williamson of Siloam Springs was crowned Miss Tiny Tot.

Marty Stuart took the stage just after dark, but it wouldn’t be the Decatur Barbecue without rain. Stuart gave an excellent, although short performance. He entertained the crowd with a rain dance and even made up a song about Decatur before he was forced to leave the stage because of lightening and rain.

The event was also somewhat bittersweet for Decatur residents. It wasdedicated to the memory of former Chamber of Commerce president Royce Johnson, who lost his battle with cancer in April. Johnson was a member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce since 1976 and served as president for the past eight years.

“I thought everything went well,” said Chamber of Commerce president David Flynt, “I have been involved with parts of the Barbecue for several years, but never in the capacity as I was this year. This is and was a team effort, as always, and everyone stepped up and did their part, plus more, to help me get through this year. I just wanted to do the best job I could because I promised Royce I would take care of it for him.”

News, Pages 16 on 08/10/2011