The Trigg County Country Ham Festival Committee took its planning of the 49th annual reunion to the next level Wednesday afternoon, in order to get a true jumpstart on the community’s largest yearly celebration — one that brings together “hams, jams and fams” in Cadiz.
Two things cemented for this October: a perpetual, simple branding logo, and this year’s theme: “The Big Pig Shindig.”
Furthermore, several new events are still being discussed, and include:
— A canoe race from Hal Fennell Bridge to the West Cadiz Park boat ramp. Cadiz Police Chief Tyler Thomas said he’s been talking to three potential sponsors for the event, and would like for it to run in timed heats for different age groups. Thomas said a good, winning run would take about 45 minutes.
— A disc golf tournament, either at the West Cadiz Park or at the Trigg County Recreation Complex. Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Hunter said he would gauge interest.
— Live pig races, an effort which Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Director Beth Sumner said she would continue to monitor.
— A 5K run/walk set for the weekend prior to the festival, of which Cadiz City Hall employee Shannon Booth said could be used to raise additional funds for the celebration.
— And a country ham and biscuit cooking demonstration, of which Trigg County Extension Agents Teresa Garcia and Shelley Crawford said were interested in making happen.
Having recently returned to work in Trigg County, David Fourqurean also noted that the always-anticipated “Ham Show” needed to be back outdoors — perhaps on the Bank of Cadiz lawn. This notion was well received.
In preparation for 2026, and a renewed pursuit of the world’s largest country ham and biscuit honors, Sumner and Fourqurean agreed that a larger oven might be needed to craft the magic. However, Fourqurean noted that buying a new cooking furnace would be far pricier than the creative ingenuity that once came out of Smith Broadbent III’s shop.
Who has that capability now? Kentucky Machine & Engineering? The engineering students of Trigg County High School or Murray State University? The question was asked.
Booth said that vendor applications will open January 27 and close March 1, allowing for plenty of time not only to develop an effective vendor map, but also to properly allocate goods — like potentially placing more food near the main stage, once again promoting a “Locals Lane” and more.
Also, to be clear, officials said electricity will be provided to food vendors and other typical units, through Pennyrile Electric and their panels.
But Public Works Director Craig Oakley said this year must be the end of any booths plugging up their implements to the city’s light poles.
The danger and liability, he said, is too great.
Sumner also noted that she’s hoping to transform the informational booth from a white tent and white tables to something more inviting with “Ham Festival” or “fall-like” themes in play.
By the next meeting, set for noon February 6, Sumner added that a list of entertainment options will be available for discussion and potential decisions, and many other ideas are being floated, including:
— The sale of some kind of themed, reusable shopping bag.
— The creation of an “Opryland-style” overhead map, pointing out key locations of the festival.
— The fortifying of side streets with additional barricades, following the tragedy earlier this year in New Orleans.
— The contacting of Main Street businesses now, in order to discuss handicapped parking during that weekend.
— And the potential designing, and sale, of a carnival poster.
