Westside Community Guide

Popular Events. Rich History. Outdoor Entertainment. Decatur has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether you want to sample some of the area's finest barbecue, visit a historical building, or take family out to one the many parks for a day of outdoor fun, you're guaranteed to find all that and more in Decatur. ■ DECAtur BArBECuE ere are several exciting events throughout the year that promote the local schools, churches, library, various charities, and local businesses. e most popular event, however, has to be the Annual Decatur Barbecue. e barbecue is a day- long event held on the first Saturday in August in Veterans Park. It is packed full of activities, including a car show, cra booths, fun run, Miss Decatur Barbecue pageant, chicken dinners, parade, tiny tots contest, local talent performances, a fireworks show, and much more. What better way to get to know this lovely community than with a day filled with food, fireworks, and fun! ■ WyAtt HopkinS pokEr run If you enjoy motorcycles and poker, this event is for you! For the past 10 years, Decatur has hosted e Wyatt Hopkins Poker Run. e event is held in honor of Wyatt Hopkins and is dedicated to raising money to help children and families facing life-threatening illnesses with all the proceeds going to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital. Participants hop on their motorcycles and cruise to different checkpoints, picking up a playing card at each one. At the end of the ride, the riders compare their hands and the best and worst hands both receive cash prizes. e event is hosted by the Decatur Fire Department and also features food and door prizes. ■ DECAtur DEpot You can take in a significant part of the state's history at the Decatur Depot, which is one of the last standing Kansas City Southern train depots. It was originally constructed in the early 1900s as a result of the increasing growth the town experienced because of the new railroad and was used to ship one of the area's biggest exports, locally-grown apples. e depot has since been converted into a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ■ DECAtur pArkS Outdoor enthusiasts will love the selection of parks Decatur has to offer. From tennis courts to horseshoe pits to disc golf, these parks have it all. Veterans Park has a walking track, playground area, barbecue pits, stage for entertainers, and a disc golf course that runs through Edmiston Park. In addition to the disc golf course, Edmiston Park also has a playground, soccer field, baseball fields, basketball court, and pavilion. McCollum Memorial Picnic Area is located between Edmiston and Veterans Park and has picnic tables and grills perfect for events or get-togethers with family and friends. Old City Park has a swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, gazebo, playground, and bandstand. Royce Johnson Memorial Park has a playground, pavilion, and picnic tables. e delightful town hosts numerous events, activities, and points of interest that aim to encourage community involvement, welcoming any and everyone to experience the hometown charm that is Decatur. ■ DECATUR: attractions and amenities Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL A spring-fed pond in the park provides an opportunity for some relaxed fishing but is also a beautiful feature for those who walk the trails in the park. 4 – 2021 2021 Westside Community Guide Dr. Alan L. Lamb, D.D.S. & Dr. Scott Stubbs, D.D.S. General Family Dentistry 304 E MAIN • GENTRY (479) 736-2800 1102 SW JACKSON • GRAVETTE (479) 787-5256

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