Final plans made for Aug. 6 BBQ

— The chicken has been ordered, the barbecue pit is ready and Marty Stuart is on his way.

With just days until the 58th Annual Decatur Barbecue Festival, planned for Aug. 6, the chamber of commerce met on Monday to make final preparations.

Reports from chamber members showed that even the most minute details are in place for the yearly celebration of all things Decatur. However, there were a few updates to be added.

Dunk Tank

Kim Wilkins reported that the use of a dunk tank has been donated to raise money for Decatur 4-H and FFA members at the Benton County Fair.

Because the Barbecue Festival will be held on one day instead of two, there will not be enough time or space for a benefit poker run this year, she explained.

The money raised at the dunk tank will be used to bid on Decatur students' animals during the premium sale at the fair and to give Decatur 4-H Cloverbuds, in the 5 to 9 age category, a cash prize since they are not allowed to participate in the sale.

Wilkins said she is working to recruit community members to work the dunk tank. During the meeting, High School Principal Bobby King pledged to take a turn in the tank.

Fun Run

For the first time, cash prizes sponsored by the Decatur State Bank will be awarded to Fun Run winners, according to Stacy Brooks.

The 2K, 5K and 10K Fun Run will begin at 7 a.m. at the Edmiston Ball Fields. Registration for the race will begin at 6:30 a.m and entry fees are $10 per person for early registration and $15 on the day of the race.

Registration forms are available online at www. DecaturStateBank.net.

Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny-Tot Contests

The deadlines for entering the Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny-Tot Contests have been extended until Aug. 2, according to organizers Donna Jennings and Shanna Tucker.

The Miss Decatur Barbecue contest is open to girls ages 15 to 19 and the Tiny Tot Contest is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 6. For more information, call 233-1801 or email Jennings at jenningsd@ petersonfarms.com. Entry forms are also available at the Decatur State Bank or online at www. DecaturStateBank.net.

News, Pages 9 on 07/27/2011