DECATUR -- "The judges have tallied their scores. And the new Miss Decatur Barbecue 2015 is...."
You will have to wait until Aug. 1 when the 62nd annual Decatur Barbecue comes to Decatur and Northwest Arkansas to hear that announcement completed.
This year's featured entertainer will be Jesse Keith Whitley, son of legendary singer and songwriter Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan.
Jesse Whitley was a year old when father Keith played to a record crowd at the 1988 Decatur Barbecue. An estimated 14,000 people crowded into Decatur's City Park to see this dynamic performer.
In 1989 Lorrie Morgan graced the stage at City Park to 10,000. This was hard for Morgan since her husband Keith died only three months before the event (on May 9, 1989). It was in his memory that she took the stage and gave one of the best performances in her career at the time.
These were the two highest attended Decatur Barbecues in its 61-year history.
In January, Jesse Whitley contacted the Decatur Chamber of Commerce to see if they would allow him to play at the Barbecue in remembrance of his father. The Chamber honored his request.
Whitley told Pat Austin, entertainment chairperson for the event, "This has become a family tradition to play at the Decatur Barbecue. I want to keep that tradition alive."
While thinking of a theme for this year's event, a chamber member came up with the idea for "A Family Affair" to honor the Whitley family in its efforts to bring high-quality entertainers to the Decatur area.
Appearing with Whitley as opening act will be Johnny Dale Roberts, who was featured artist during the 60th annual event in 2013.
With the event fast approaching, it is also time to get in entry forms for the Tiny Tots contest to the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Lynsey Garrett is in charge of this year's event. The Tiny Tots contest is open to boys and girls, ages 4 to 6. There is a $20 entry fee.
There are still openings available for crafts vendors and non-profit organizations, as well as a few spots for food vendors.
Those wishing to participate in this year's Decatur Barbecue may contact the following Chamber members: Craft and non-profit organizations -- Jean Johnson, 479-619-8315; Food vendors -- Shanna Tucker, 479-586-0366; Tiny Tots -- Lynsey Garrett, 479-787-8153; Miss Decatur Barbecue -- Leslie Lentz, 479-304-8258.
Plan to attend the 62nd Annual Decatur Barbecue from 7 a.m. until 12 midnight on Aug. 1 inVeterans Park.
General News on 07/08/2015