DECATUR -- After a run of 66 years, one of Decatur's iconic festivals will come to an end this year due in large part to the uncertainty that faces the nation in regard to the covid-19 outbreak which ramped up in March.
The Decatur Barbecue, which began as a big appreciation picnic for employees of Peterson Farms in 1953 and a community appreciation event in 1954, has been canceled this year.
The barbecue is one of over a dozen longtime festivals that fell victim to the pandemic.
The Tontitown Grape Festival, founded in 1898, was forced to cancel this year's event after 121 years. Likewise, the Gentry Freedom Fest has also been canceled this year due to pandemic protocol.
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Decatur Barbecue, had discussed the cancellation of the event even before the covid-19 outbreak in March.
Over the past five years, interest in the many events the barbecue generates has fallen, causing chamber members to re-evaluate the future of the 66-year-old Decatur tradition.
Last year, the 5K Run and children's games were discontinued due to low participation. During the 2018 Barbecue, the chamber planned the last Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny Tots pageants. Desi Meek from Decatur took the crown that year. Three months prior to the 2019 barbecue, the chamber decided to sponsor one more Miss Decatur Barbecue and Tiny Tots contest. Falyn Cordeiro from Gentry took the crown.
During the June 1 virtual chamber meeting, Miranda Wise, new chamber president, formally announced the cancellation of the 67th Annual Decatur Barbecue. In mid-May Wise called for a vote by members to either hold the barbecue or cancel it altogether. Pandemic protocols and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson's mandates made the decision easier for the chamber.
When the CDC and state authorities give the green light to large venue events once again, the chamber will re-evaluate the future of the Decatur Barbecue or, possibly, create a whole new tradition for the city of Decatur.
General News on 06/03/2020