Despite a change in leadership, Trigg County and City of Cadiz officials are expecting for next week’s 48th Annual Country Ham Festival to go on without many hitches — and community members and visitors can expect the typical, fun-loving fare.
It doesn’t mean, however, that there won’t be some changes to the four-day schedule.
Now operating as lead organizer, with the committee in tow, new Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Executive Director Beth Sumner said during Thursday’s special-called meeting that updates to the itinerary will be made available in a variety of formats.
In this, Sumner confirmed that, though through no fault of the Cadiz Record, the annual printed guide will have some events either listed with incorrect times, or be wrong entirely.
Something that is definitely coming to the festival: Locals Lane.
It’s an idea that’s been oft-discussed for more than two years, and it’s going to be in a really familiar place.
Thursday’s meeting did not specifically address recent leadership changes within the City of Cadiz, but Sumner did point out that several asks are being made in order to make sure the festival doesn’t persist in disarray.
She added that this year’s T-shirts have been ordered and will be arriving next Tuesday, with more than 20 sponsors on board — including clubhouse leaders in Wabash and Coleman’s Tire Service, LLC, both at $5,000. For those who did not have a preorder, these will be available for purchase at Cadiz City Hall and the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Office.
Furthermore, she said there will be quite a bit of pre-festival hype, as well as some new food vendors that could surprise families.
Among other notes:
— Sumner and the committee agreed that a parade next Sunday would not be possible, and not just because of manpower. She stated that fewer than five entries had even been submitted for its running, after its return last year was lauded by most of the community. Sumner also noted that a review of the city’s insurance policies needed to happen before the parade returns, but there is anticipation for it to come back in 2025, and beyond.
— Shannon Booth, city employee and wife to Trigg County’s new school superintendent, Rex, confirmed that the district’s main front-facing parking lot could be used for potential drop-off and pick-up for shuttles. Sumner, however, said that shuttles still remain a “big concern” heading into the final week, and that any churches or similar local options would be supported if one or two buses could be provided not only as a luxury and convenience, but as a support for families.
— Booth also said that at least 200 vendors, of all varieties, are expected next weekend, and that several have already begun efforts to book for 2025’s 49th Annual Ham Festival.
— Cadiz Police Chief Tyler Thomas said handicapped parking will be available behind Cadiz Christian Church, the EOC lot on Jefferson Street, and West Cadiz Park. Other accessibility may also be provided throughout the weekend, but these locations are designated.
— The Beard and Mullet contests are returning, as well as the Hog Calling challenge, but it will only be a celebrity match among 10 participants for the Second Annual Country Ham Biscuit Eating Championship. Sumner had originally mentioned a few weeks back that an open division would be appropriate, but that idea has been tabled.
