Chamber reviews barbecue, plans for Christmas parade

— Chamber of Commerce members met Monday evening to review this year’s Decatur Barbecue Festival and make a game plan for next year’s event.

Chamber members voted to hold next year’s Barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Preliminary financial reports, presented by Chamber of Commerce president David Flynt, showed that the Chamber lost money on the 2011 Decatur Barbecue, although final figures are not in.

Several members speculated that the extreme heat - in excess of 106 degrees in the afternoon - put a damper on the event, as well as the fact that 2011 was the first time the event was ever held on a Saturday.

Stacy Brooks pointed out that the Barbecue also fell on Arkansas’ no-tax weekend for back-to-school supplies.

Flynt asked members to look for ways to cut expenses and boost attendance and profits next year and report them at next month’s meeting.

Christmas Parade

The annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m., Dec. 9, chamber members decided Monday.

This year’s parade theme will be “an American Christmas.” Lineup forthe parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. Community businesses and organizations are invited to compete for the best float. First-place awards will be given out in three categories: school, non-profit andbusiness. A special grand prize will be awarded to the best overall float.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be handing out goodie bags and greeting children for photos after the parade in the Decatur Fire Station.

School News, Pages 8 on 10/05/2011