DECATUR -- In keeping with the traditions of the original event -- good food, top quality entertainment and lots to see and do -- the 2014 Decatur Barbecue scored big this year with an estimated crowd of 3,000 at Veterans Park in Decatur on Saturday.
While this year's event was not the biggest in the 61 year history, it was certainly among the best.
As a beautiful Northwest Arkansas sunrise descended over the sleepy little town of Decatur, the 2014 Decatur Barbecue officially began at 7 a.m. with the Fun Run starting from the pavilion at Edmiston Park. Only seven runners entered the competition this year, five in the 5K -- Raymond Woolard, Nick Wear, Dennis McMillan, Leagh Smith and Lindsey McMillan -- and two in the 10K -- Gretchen Bower and Shauna Pierce.
Raymond Woolard took first in the 5K run this year, followed by Nick Wear in second, Dennis McMillan in third, Leagh Smith in forth, and Lindsey McMillan finishing in fifth place. Finishing in first position for the 10K run was Gretchen Bower.
Twenty children, ranging in age from 4 to 12, gathered under a beautiful shade tree in the upper part of Veterans Park for the kids' games. The kids participated in bean bag toss, hula hoop, two-legged and three-legged sack races, balloon toss, and an egg race. When the events ended, every child present had won a ribbon.
There was a turtle race this year, too, but only one turtle showed up with its owner and trainer, Emily Wear. The turtle lunged out of the starting blocks with eyes on the finish line. Within a minute, the turtle won first, second and third places.
The wailing of sirens from police and fire units marked the beginning of the 2014 Decatur Barbecue Parade. Excitement filled the air as the first glimpses of the parade appeared around the corner by the train station. Because of the near-perfect weather, this year's turnout of parade entries and spectators was exceptional. The east side of Main Street from the depot to the bank, and the west side from the depot to the Gallery Cafe, were lined with spectators.
The parade stretched for two miles. Leading the parade was the 2014 grand marshal, Katherine Shook, a longtime resident of Decatur and a former science teacher in Decatur, Gravette and Sulphur Springs school districts. She was followed by a horse-drawn carriage and several horses and riders from the area. The 2013 Miss Decatur Barbecue, Suzanna Sikes, waved at the crowd as she rode down Main Street. And behind her were contestants for the 2014 Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny Tots titles.
As the parade passed down Main Street, children lined up to catch treats thrown by parade participants.
While the parade was lining up at City Park, a different kind of parade was taking place at the upper end of Veterans Park. Cars and trucks began arriving for the eleventh annual Decatur Barbecue car show. Thirty-five vehicles -- ranging from a 1930 vintage pickup truck, to classic cars from the '50s and '60s, to custom cars and trucks, to muscle cars from the 21st century -- were on display.
Of course, the star of the Decatur Barbecue for the past 61 years has been the chicken. More than 2,000 chicken halves were served this year. Chicken went on sale at 10 a.m. and was sold out by 7 p.m.
From the softball field at Edmiston Park, which was temporarily converted into a landing zone, many had a chance to take off and see Decatur from the air. Arkansas Helicopters sold rides to those who wished an uplifting experience.
The evening events, and ones spectators were waiting for, began with the casual wear competition of the Miss Decatur Barbecue. Eight contestants, including Tori Johnson from Decatur, paraded across the stage before three judges. Then it was time for the tiny tots to take the stage. A total of eleven youngsters -- nine girls and two boys, ages 4 to 6 -- took center stage for the interview with the 2013 Miss Decatur Barbecue. After the interviews were completed, the contestants paraded back to center stage for the judges to see.
It took only five minutes for the scores to be tallied and the decision made by judges for this year's Decatur pageants -- judges were Helen Wisner (Miss Arkansas USA), Jill Oyler and Kayla Berry. The runners-up for this year were Morgan Hopkins, 4, from Decatur and Gracie Wright, 5, from Gentry. The 2014 Mister Tiny Tot was Dylan Eller, 5, from Gentry; and the 2014 Miss Tiny Tot was Adrina Tilley, 5, from Decatur.
Once the excitement from the Tiny Tots had subsided, it was time for the formal wear and crowning of Miss Decatur Barbecue. When all the votes had been tallied, the second runner-up was Holyn Fredrick from Gentry, followed by first runner-up Amber Ward from Rogers. Then a hush came over the crowd as they waited for the name of the winner.
"The new Miss Decatur Barbecue is Megan McAfee from Gravette."
She was crowned by Sikes and took a victory walk around the stage.
Then the entertainment began before a crowd of 2,000 or more. First up was the ShotGunBillys. The group, consisting of Lance McDaniel (lead vocal), David Snell (backup vocal and bass guitar), Theron Woods (backup vocal and guitar), and Case Cooper (percussion and drums), captivated the crowd with its blend of rock and country music and an outstanding light show.
Backroad Anthem, a Fayetteville-based band, electrified Veterans Park and took hold of the crowds. From the moment they took the stage, it became evident that they were made for the Decatur Barbecue. The air in Decatur was filled with the sweet sounds of their music.
When all was said and done, this year's event was counted a huge success for the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and the city. When the Decatur Barbecue began in 1953, it was a celebration of the rebirth of this little town in Northwest Arkansas. It was a way for the Decatur Development Committee and Lloyd Peterson to thank the residents for playing a big part in that rebirth. And now, with Walmart and other businesses coming into Decatur, the Decatur Barbecue is playing the same role, a way the chamber can thank Decatur area residents for making this community "the best little town in America."
General News on 08/06/2014