Disc golf, car show, parade wowed Barbecue visitors

Photo by Mike Eckels Avery Helms from Gentry sings a patriotic song during the Tiny Tots Miss Decatur BBQ contest on the stage at Veterans Park in Decatur Aug. 5. Avery was the first runner-up.
Photo by Mike Eckels Avery Helms from Gentry sings a patriotic song during the Tiny Tots Miss Decatur BBQ contest on the stage at Veterans Park in Decatur Aug. 5. Avery was the first runner-up.

DECATUR -- At 7 a.m. on Saturday, with no rain in sight, the 64th Annual Decatur Barbecue at Veterans Park kicked off with the 5K and 10K runs.

Things got off to a slow start with the number of runners down and less than a dozen children at the kids games. The softball tournament was canceled due to a lack of participation. The coed team from Decatur High School, coached by Chris Lemley, was the only one to show.

The morning picked up a little momentum as classic cars and trucks began arriving for the 13th Annual Decatur Barbecue car show on the Frisbee Golf Course in Veterans Park. By the 10 a.m. start time, 25 vehicles were on display and continued through the awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

Another popular morning event and new to the Decatur Barbecue was a Frisbee Golf demonstration by Mike Stout and Jose Mendoza, both resident experts in the sport. They gave live demonstrations on disc golf technique and etiquette.

At 12 p.m. the opening ceremony began with the National Anthem, performed by Dakota McCarthy. A prayer was given by Justin White, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Mayor Bob Tharp and Chamber President Shanna Tucker presented the grand marshal award to Bill and Michal Montgomery, life-long residents of Decatur.

In keeping with this year's Decatur Barbecue theme, "Bulldog Proud, Decatur Proud," the 2017 girls' 1-A state track championship team members, along with the 1-A boys' state track runners-up, were honored for their hard work and commitment to the Bulldog sports program and the community. Mike Eckels recognized the entire Bulldog athletic program, as well as the Decatur Youth Sports and Decatur Soccer Club in his opening remarks. Eckels introduced Shane Holland, Decatur track coach, who introduced each member of the track teams. Both teams were honored once again as they rode behind the grand marshal's car in the Decatur Barbecue Parade.

This year's parade boasted one of the best for participation and turnout in the last five years. Led by the Montgomerys and the track teams, the mile-long procession featured the Tiny Tots and Miss Decatur contestants, the Bulldog football team and cheerleaders, decorated vehicles from First Baptist Church of Decatur and Carniceria Guanajuato Meat Market. The parade concluded with a horse ridden by Levi Duncan from Decatur.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce continued to carry on the tradition that began 64 years ago with the Decatur Development Commission in 1953. While the numbers were lower than expected, the chamber wanted to acknowledge the time and hard work that chamber members, chamber sponsors and the many volunteers put in to make the 2017 Decatur Barbecue a success.

"I would like to thank the community for its continued support for this annual event," said Tucker. "Without them, our sponsors and many volunteer groups, this event wouldn't be possible and I thank all of you."

Decatur run results: 5K Run -- Danial Bedor - 22:13.70, James Wilson - 28:50.52, Jessi Calzada - 41:53.76, Lori Callaway - 41:53.78; 10K Run, 55 and up category -- Greg Taylor - 46:47.53; 18-35 category -- Evelyn Boling - 47:52.30.

Car show results: Barbara Martin, 1931 Ford - best engine; Jimmy Roberts, black 1957 Thunderbird - best paint; Jim Kastelic, 1955 Chevy - judge's choice; Bob White, 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS - best car; and Jerry Royce, 1927 Ford Pickup - best truck.

General News on 08/09/2017