DECATUR -- When the Decatur Development Company put together the first Decatur Homecoming in 1953, little did that group know that its efforts would spark an event that continues to draw visitors to this community well into the 21st century.
The original Decatur Homecoming was founded as a way of reuniting former residents and to thank its citizens for supporting the efforts of the town to keep Decatur alive. Although the 1953 Homecoming was meant as a one-time event, the concept carried over into 1954, creating a format that is still used to celebrate the town's revitalization today.
David Compton, the secretary of the newly-formed Decatur Chamber of Commerce and the man who single-handedly put this community on the map, reflected on 1953 and the strides the community has made to regain its former glory.
"Decatur is celebrating its rebirth," said Compton. "It has been born again and we wish that you share our joy with us. From a sleepy little town, it has been prodded awake. Now it is a pulsing, vibrant, marching town with rosy dreams of the future" (Decatur Herald insert, 1954).
Earlier in 1954 the Decatur Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. It was charged with the responsibility of organizing and executing the Decatur Homecoming, and it turned it into one of the premier events in the northwest corner of Arkansas which continues today.
Adding to the excitement of that year was winning an award and being featured in one of America's top publications.
When Look magazine and the Municipal League voted Decatur the best little town under 1,000 that year, the chamber decided to use the Decatur Homecoming Barbecue as a way to celebrate this monumental achievement in Decatur's history. And for the 390 residents at the time, it was their chance to shine.
Eventually, the Decatur Homecoming would evolve into the Decatur Homecoming Barbecue and then the Decatur Barbecue. No matter what name was used for the event, it still celebrated the down-to-earth hometown lifestyle that makes Decatur one of the best little towns in which to live.
Besides the outstanding chicken dinners that the event is known for, the Decatur Barbecue has become well-known for great entertainment, the Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny Tots contests, the Decatur Barbecue Parade and lots of fun and games. All these elements together form the heart and soul of the Decatur Barbecue.
Today, now in its 63rd year (counting 1953), the Barbecue has grown to include a fun run, car show, a showcase for local talent and vendors of all kinds.
The theme for this year's event was chosen, in part, from events that transpired earlier this year. When Decatur became the 20th Purple Heart City, the Veterans Committee and Howard-Parrish VFW Post set out on a mission to recognize and remember all veterans, past and present, for their sacrifices.
While Decatur struggled to stay alive, half a world away some of her residents were struggling to maintain freedom for a people whom most had never seen before the war. The Korean War was raging on, with no end in sight.
Then on July 27, 1953, less than a week before the Decatur Homecoming took place, an armistice was signed, ending the Korean War (1950-1953). Building on this, the Decatur Chamber decided to make this year's theme "Honoring All Who Served" as a way of recognizing the many Decatur area veterans.
One of those Decatur natives will ride shotgun as grand marshal for this year's parade. Riding in a vintage military jeep will be Clarence Amos, a Korean War veteran. Following behind Amos, will be a Desert Storm "Deuce and Half," a two-and a-half-ton transport vehicle loaded with veterans from all conflicts. These service men and women and the hardware they used was brought together by the Decatur Veterans Committee as a way of recognizing veterans for their sacrifices in the defense of freedom.
Lineup for the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. August 6 at Decatur City Park. The parade is open to anyone wishing to participate. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at City Park and snake its way down Main Street and all the way to Veterans Park.
The 63rd Annual Decatur Barbecue kicks off with the Fun Run, 5K and 10K events, which start at 7 a.m. at the concession stand at Edmiston Park.
The car show is back by popular demand this year after a one-year absence. Vintage and muscle cars, trucks and hot rods can enter the show, which begins at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park. Judging for the show is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m.
Although not on the concert schedule, local talent from the Decatur area will be featured throughout the day, from 12 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Area choirs, performing groups and solo acts will be featured during these times.
The day will conclude with Drew Baldridge, an up-and-coming singer on the country scene. The Baldridge concert begins at 9 p.m.
It would be almost impossible to have an event like the Decatur Barbecue without sponsors. This year's sponsors include: Walmart, McLarty Daniel, Grand Savings Bank, McKee Foods, Simmons, Crossland Heavy Contractors, Crystal Lake Farms, Decatur Livestock Auction, Handy Mart, Farmers Co-op and Ark-O.
"I would like to thank our sponsors for helping to make the Decatur Barbecue a huge success," said Justin Levitt, president of the Decatur Chamber. "Without their generosity, the Decatur Chamber could not put on this event."
For more information about the 63rd Annual Decatur Barbecue, visit the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or call 479-752-3912.
General News on 08/03/2016