BBQ has rich history

August 3 marks a milestone in Decatur’s history. It’s the 60th anniversary of the Decatur Barbecue.

Since the event’s conception in 1953, the Decatur Barbecue (originally named Homecoming Barbecue) has grown into a leading civic event in Northwest Arkansas.

This year’s event promises to have something for everyone.

From 1953 until 1972, Leon McAuliff graced the stage with his unique brand of country music.

The following year, the Chamber of Commerce appointed Pat Austin to chair the entertainment committee.

The committee decided to turn to Nashville for entertainment.

In 1973, legendary country singer Hank Thompson was the featured performer. The attendance for his concert was around 14,000 - a record. All the fans were packed into the old city park. Residents around at the time all agree: The park was packed and there were cars parked everywhere.

Over the years, the Decatur Barbecue drew notable country singers such as Keith Whitley, Lori Morgan, Porter Wagner, Daryl Singletary, Ricochet and Sammie Kershaw, to name a few.

With the completion of Veterans Park, on the west side of Decatur, the Barbecue left the old city park. The new park gave the Decatur Barbecue a chance to host more events, with plenty of room to accommodate larger crowds.

The Fun Run kicks off the Aug. 3 event. The 2K, 5K, and 10K runs all start and finish at Edmiston Park, just up the hill from Veterans Park.

Registration for the runs begins at 6:30 a.m. with the races starting at 7 a.m.

Parades always have a magical power all their own. They can bring families together, reunite old friends and put a smile on the face of even the gruffest of people. The2012 parade attracted participants, including the Shriners, veterans groups, local businesses, floats and residents, all showing off their Decatur pride.

The Grand Marshals for the 2013 parade will be long-time Decatur residents Lester and Pat Austin. Lester Austin was a combat veteran of the Korean War. He drove trucks for Bredehoeft Produce and also was an avid farmer. He worked in the oil and gas industry from 1980 to 1990, Pat Austin is a retired U.S. Postal Service employee. The Austins married in 1955 and have been together for 58 years.

The Austins are long-time members of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Lester referred to their selection as Grand Marshals as “an honor.”

Parade lineup begins at 10:30 a.m., with the parade starting at 11 a.m. The parade will start at old city park, head down Roller to Arkansas Highway 59, crossing over the railroad overpass on Arkansas Highway 102, then ending at Veterans Park.

There will be a little bit of everything for all to enjoy, including arts and craft booths open all day, games for children, helicopter rides and a car show, in addition to the evening pageants and on-stage entertainment. And, the Chamber is inviting all to come out for the day.

Community, Pages 19 on 07/31/2013