Three key decisions regarding this year’s Trigg County Country Ham Festival were made during Thursday’s meeting of its committee — all of which could shape the anticipated weekend’s calendar.
First and foremost, though there were a few abstentions in the vote, remaining members voted unanimously in confirming there will be no parade this year.
Mayor Todd King made the motion, emphatically noting that city workers — who would have to be more than responsible for the effort — would be exhausted by that celebratory Sunday, and that it would be too much for his staff to bear.
Secondly, On Main Director and Assistant City Clerk Shannon Booth re-confirmed that vendor applications are due by March 15. She said selected vendors will be notified of their acceptance or decline by April 1, and that all accepted vendors must be paid in-full by August 1.
The process actually opened January 27.
Those who do not pay on time, she added, will see their spots ceded to those on a wait list that will likely be organized on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Thirdly, and as the battle for dependable drivers and vehicles continues, there will also be no seeking of shuttle services to and from Main Street. King, alongside Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Director Beth Sumner and Public Works Director Craig Oakley, said golf carts were very effective in brief valet efforts last year, and there is going to be an even more concerted push these next eight months to secure extra handicap spaces.
In other festival news:
— Sumner said a Ham Festival golf tournament remains very much in the works, with King offering his thoughts on Arrowhead Golf Course being its sponsor.
— Sumner, alongside Cadiz Police Chief Tyler Thomas, said both printed and electronic maps of the weekend are going to be available for the festival this year and beyond. Sumner said the Pennyrile Area Development District is sending over an electronic rendering of the city, while Thomas noted that some students in Lori Ricks’ Trigg County High School engineering class are going to create a detailed, digital overlay that will be accessible through mobile phones and QR codes.
— Sumner said she also has her eye on several types of talent options for the festival, but is meeting this week with former promoter and Edge Media Group Program Director and Engineer Bill Booth, in order to gain more understanding about the talent and budgeting process.
