...about town By Decatur Mayor Bob Tharp

July is highlighted this year as "Annual Decatur Barbecue Festival" month. On Aug. 1, Decatur will celebrate its 62nd consecutive Barbecue Festival. This event has become home to many Nashville entertainers, and this year is no exception. Our theme is "A Family Affair!"

When I talk about our Barbecue to people, they always compliment our chicken dinners and great entertainment. This year the city council voted to have fireworks displayed at dusk after the entertainment.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce works six months out of the year to coordinate this one-day event. We are blessed as a community to have our Chamber, which works tirelessly as it continues this tradition.

The Barbecue is a time of celebration! Please consider building a float, drive a car, or ride a horse in the parade. The day starts out with a parade and is a fun time to see your friends by either watching the parade or being in it.

Your city council and city staff are working on numerous projects, including the following:

• Additional playground equipment at Royce Johnson Memorial Park;

• A huge paving project completed at Veterans Park;

• A grant to build a large walking trail and youth soccer field at Veterans Park, funded through Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas;

• A grant to fund the construction of a personnel elevator for the city hall to make the second floor usable;

• A non-matching grant (already approved) of up to $250,000 for street overlay to be funded in 2016.

City committees functional today are: Library, Planning and Zoning, Parks, and Cemetery.

The Economic Development and Historical Committees are being developed and will soon be actively meeting. Anyone interested in serving Decatur is welcome to help us make a difference. Help us if you can.

If you want to help us in securing the grant for the walking trail and soccer field at Veterans Park, please contact the following office:

Patrick O'Sullivan, executive director, Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, USAble Corporate Center, 320 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201; Phone: 501-378-2221; Fax: 501-378-2051; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org.

Decatur knows that, when we work together, we can accomplish great things.

... about Town for the month of August will highlight Streets.

Ways to stay connected with local news and events are to read the Westside Eagle Observer and check the city's website at decaturarkansas.com. You may also email me at [email protected] and follow my Facebook page.

Thank you for allowing me to serve Decatur as mayor. Have a wonderful summer and God Bless each of you.

Editorial on 07/29/2015