Barbecue Has Rich Tradition

60th annual celebration set for Saturday in Decatur

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

DECATUR - With the 60th Annual Decatur BBQ fast approaching, members of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce are rushing to put the finishing touches on the event. During their meetings, the word “traditional” was used before each event: The traditional Miss Decatur Barbecue, the traditional parade, the traditional concert and the traditional chicken dinner were just a few examples. But just where did these “traditions” originate?

In the early 1950s, Decatur had a population of around 390. Of that number, almost half worked in the local poultry processing plant. It looked as though this little community was on its way to becoming a thriving metropolis.

When the owners of the processing plant decided to relocate to another nearby community, the effects were devastating. Once that facility shut down and headed south, most of the population went with it. The small town of Decatur was dying.

Then a group of local community leaders devised a plan to bring the town back from the brink of death. The group, consisting of Tom Edmiston, Irvin Hepne, Tom North, A.H. Roller and J.C. Kincaid, formed the Decatur Development Corporation.

Their plan was to open a new poultry plant to bring the work force back to Decatur. When workers returned, so did their families. This gave Decatur Development the foundation to build a sound economic base for the community.

One hurdle the group faced was the need to update the town’s sewage system. Once they procured the necessary funds, the community of Decatur had an updated sewer system and a state-of-the-art sewage treatment facility. Shortly thereafter, a new poultry processing plant was completed.

The group recruited long-time Decatur resident Lloyd Peterson to supply poultry to the new facility (Peterson eventually bought the plant) for processing. It was a big gamble that eventually paid huge dividends to all involved in the project.

With growth comes the need for a new economic institution. Decatur Development decided to charter a new bank. In 1953, the Bank of Decatur opened its doors. One of the first depositors in the new bank was a man by the name of Leon McAuliff. McAuliff would later play an important role in one of Decatur’s most important community events.

With the economic development plan complete, Decatur began to grow and prosper. The businessmen of Decatur Development soon realized that by helping the town grow, they were promoting their own businesses. According to the Decatur Herald, “It seemed the town, fighting for its life, was drawn together with the sense of civic responsibility that caused every resident to become a citizen.”

Because of this kind of civic pride and sense of community, the revitalized Decatur began to attract attention from across the country.

In 1953, Decatur was awarded first place in the towns under 1,000 category in the State of Arkansas. In celebration for thistitle, community leaders decided to repay residents of Decatur with a celebration they called the “Homecoming Barbecue.”

City officials and civic leaders collectively worked to procure food and entertainment. They organized a pageant fit for royalty. The end result was a civic pride event that would rival those of major citie sacross the U.S.

The August 1953 event had Indian dancing, a concert by Leon McAuliff, a 12-member equestrian team, tiny tots and Miss Decatur Homecoming Barbecue pageants, and food, food and, yes, more food.

When the barbecue was over, civil leaders tallied the final results. The attendance for the 1953 event was around 400 with 3,400 chicken dinners sold. The McAuliff concert was packed, and the first Miss Homecoming Barbecue was crowned.

Then, in 1954, Decatur was named “All-American City” by the National Municipal League. This single moment in history, along with the success of the 1953 event, led city officials to organize the Decatur Homecoming Barbecue as an annual event. A chamber of commerce was formed to assist with the celebration. The impact of the 1954 event would have far reaching consequences for the community.

The 1954 event had an attendance of 500, with 4,065 chicken dinners sold. The event raised nearly $1,600 and the number of entries for the tiny tots and Miss Decatur pageants nearly doubled.The foundation was laid for a celebration that would last six decades.

This is the tradition that everybody so proudly displayed throughout Decatur.

This is the pride in community that Decatur Development saw and rewarded.

This is why the Decatur Barbecue was conceived.

“Pride of Community” is the “tradition” of a city called Decatur. Display this civic pride and remember the traditions when enjoying the many events at this, the 60th Annual Decatur Barbecue.

News, Pages 1 on 07/31/2013