DECATUR — A yearly tradition in the small town of Decatur is the Decatur Barbecue. Now in its 64th year, the Decatur Barbecue is a celebration of pride -- pride in its local businesses, in its schools, in its sports programs and, most importantly, in its community.
To show the pride and spirit that exemplifies this community, the Decatur Chamber of Commerce has chosen as its 2017 theme: "Bulldog Proud, Decatur Proud," to celebrate the many accomplishments of this small town in the northwest corner of Arkansas.
At the heart of this year's celebration will be the accomplishments of the 2017 Decatur Bulldogs girls' track team, which won its first-ever state championship at the 1A state meet in Conway May 2.
Also featured will be the Bulldogs boys' track team, which took second at the same meet. The boys' track team, consisting of Ryan Shaffer, Leng Lee, Bracy Owens, Brandon Coker, Johnny Brandon, Jimmy Mendoza, Taylor Haisman and Cayden Bingham, will share in the festivities this year.
The girls' title was an amazing feat of athleticism. Only six girls, Cameron Shaffer, Meagan Smith, Desi Meek, Paige Vann, Destiny Meija and Paige Barrett, competed in the meet. Together, the girls racked up 91 points (53 earned by Meek) to bring home the title.
Decatur High School sports offers the community a wide variety of venues. From outdoor sports like football, baseball, softball, soccer, track or cross-country, or indoor sports such as volleyball or basketball, the athletes, coaches and volunteers contribute a lot of time and effort to bring pride and Bulldog spirit to Decatur.
But more than just the Decatur Bulldogs, this year's theme is about the youth sports and youth soccer programs in Decatur. These programs allow kids, ages 6-14, to participate in T-ball, baseball and soccer. Like the school programs, the youth sports bring teams to Edmiston and Veterans Parks to motivate their athletes to strive toward excellence while thrilling sports fans with outstanding performances. These home games bring added revenue to Decatur in the form of sales taxes generated by spending in any of the local businesses and restaurants.
This year's Decatur Barbecue is a perfect way for the community to express its appreciation and support Decatur youth. Another way to show appreciation to these athletes is to line the streets during the parade, which will start at 1:30 p.m.
To enter a float or to participate in this year's Decatur Barbecue Parade, call 479-752-3912 or 479-422-0208.
General News on 08/02/2017