Chamber plans first-ever Saturday Decatur Barbecue

— For the first time ever, the Decatur Barbecue Festival will be held on the first Saturday in August instead of the first Friday, Chamber of Commerce members decided at their Jan. 3 meeting.

The 58th Annual Decatur Barbecue Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6. Last year the Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation Committee held theDecatur Barbecue and Bulldog Days back-to-back on the first Friday and Saturday of August. The Chamber of Commerce discussed the possibility of holding a one-day event on a Saturday at their November meeting. Last year’s festival was a great success but was also a strain on volunteers who spent both days working in the sweltering August heat.

Chamber members pointed out that the festival might draw more crowds on Saturday when most people are off work, and holding all the events on one day would help fill some of the slower times.

While Chamber of Commerce members have yet to hear any feedback from the Parks and Recreation Committee, several chamber members said there will definitely be a poker run and a car show on Saturday, both staples of the Bulldog Day event.

The Barbecue will not conflict with Gravette Daysbecause that event is always held on the second Saturday in August, Pat Austin said. She pointed out that the Barbecue will not conflict with the Tontitown Grape Festival, on Aug. 9 through 13, and the Benton County Fair in mid August.

Chamber members also discussed ways to stayin compliance with the health department this year. There were several issues at last year’s festival and although they were resolved, it wasagreed it would be best to prepare this year.

In precaution, suggested was cooking chicken as it is served so that it will not have to be kept at a constant temperature for long periods of time. The addition of a double sink and a hand-washing sink to the barbecue building was also discussed.

Stacy Brooks suggested calling the health department and taking an inspector on a tour of the facility as soon as possible to find out exactly what needs to be done and how to do it correctly.

Chamber of Commerce president Royce Johnson agreed with Brooks suggestion and pointed out that it could save the chamber a lot of money and hassle by fixing the building the way the health department wanted from the beginning.

“This is for the future, so we should do it right from the start,” commented David Flynt.

“We need to work with them so maybe they will work with us,“ said Johnson.

In other business, the Chamber discussed the Christmas parade held on Dec. 10. Eight floats, all of high quality, participated in the parade, Johnson said. The Decatur Sale Barn Church float won the Chamber’s grand prize of $250 - awarded the best float by a non-profit. The Decatur High School FBLA won second place, he said.

Johnson also reported that Clifford and Sue Verser won first place in the Chamber’s Christmas light decorating contest and David Flynt and Donna Jennings won second place. Johnson said that he was surprised at the large number of light displays in Decatur this year.

The Chamber also set a date for the annual Easter egg hunt. The event will be held on April 23, the day before Easter Sunday. Johnson reported he has already bought 440 Easter eggs for $9 from the Walmart sample store, and all that is needed for the hunt is candy and Easter baskets for prizes.

Johnson also reminded those attending the meeting that the annual membership dues are to be paid in January. Dues are $10 for individuals and $25 for businesses. All are welcome to join.

News, Pages 6 on 01/12/2011