It's time to sign up for Decatur BBQ

DECATUR -- With July at its halfway mark and August around the bend, it is time once again to register for one of Northwest Arkansas' biggest and longstanding events, the Decatur Barbecue.

This year's event will take place Aug. 2 from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Within the schedule are five events open for public participation. They include the Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny Tots Pageants, fun run, car show and parade.

The Miss Decatur Barbecue Pageant has a rich history of producing young women for top leadership positions in the corporate and business worlds. One winner made it as far as the Miss Arkansas contest. Coupled with the Miss Decatur Barbecue is the Tiny Tots Pageant. Both contests have been a part of the Decatur Barbecue since its conception in 1953.

Entry forms for both Tiny Tots and Miss Decatur Barbecue Pageants can be obtained through the Decatur Chamber of Commerce website at www.decaturarkansaschamber.org and must be postmarked no later then July 28.

The event which will kick off the 61st annual Decatur Barbecue will be the fun run. It is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. at the parking area of Edmiston park pavilion. Registration forms can be obtained at www.decaturarkansaschamber.org and will be accepted at the 6:30 a.m. sign in on the day of the run.

A more recent addition to the Barbecue is the car show, now in it's 11th year. The show will start at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The cost to enter the show is $10.

The Decatur Barbecue Parade will begin at 11 a.m. from City Park located at Second Street, then to Veterans Park on N. Main (Arkansas Highway 102 west). Lineup for the parade will begin at 10:30 at City Park. Pre-registration is not necessary. Entries will be accepted up to 5 minutes before the start time.

For more information, call the following: Fun Run -- Amy Brooks, 752-3281; Parade -- Stacy Brooks, 790-7171; Car Show -- Rick Tilley, 549-2711 or 936-4025; Miss Decatur Barbecue -- Leslie McClain, 566-9666; Tiny Tots -- Lyndey Garrett, 787-8153.