DECATUR — From the crack of dawn until late at night, the 59th Annual Decatur Barbecue provided a full day of entertainment.
While triple digit temperatures throughout the day may have kept attendance down, those who braved the heat had plenty to celebrate.
The day began with a Fun Run, followed by children’s games in the park.
Decatur’s oldest lifelong citizen, Leonard Truitt, served as grand marshal and led the barbecue parade in a covered wagon driven by Tommy Turner.
A large number of vehicles, both old and new, participated in the car show.
Helicopter rides were available for thrill seekers, along with bouncy houses, camel rides and pony rides for those who preferred to stay closer to the ground.
The evening began with the tiny tot and Miss Decatur Barbecue Pageants. Haley House of Gravette was crowned Miss Decatur Barbecue, and Suzanna Sikes andSarah Mills, both of Gentry, were runnersup. Isabelle Montgomery and Zeke Furrow were the tiny tot contest winners.
Storm clouds threatened to the north, but country musician James Wesley was able to finish his concert with only one brief, and very welcome, shower during the performance.
Community, Pages 16 on 08/08/2012