Hargis, Fowler, Parrent Tabbed For Key 45th Annual Ham Festival Awards

The 45^th Annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival opened early Thursday morning at the Renaissance Stage in downtown Cadiz, following the presentation of three key awards of recognition — the WKDZ “Farmer of the Year,” the Marvin Broadbent & George Bleidt “Spirit of the Ham Festival” nod, and the newly-fashioned “Spirit of Cadiz” tab from the mayor’s office.

Chosen in conjunction with the Trigg County Agricultural Commission, longtime Caledonia native, farmer and local businessman Steven Hargis was named the “Farmer of the Year.” Hargis started farming alongside his family at 14 years old and later rolled into lengthy careers for both U.S. Tobacco and Crop Production Services before joining Southern States in 2005.

Hargis retired from Southern States and the commercial world in May, but WKDZ News Director Alan Watts noted he’s always farmed while raising a family, following the Tennessee Titans and playing a little golf on the side.

Cadiz Mayor Todd King passed the “Spirit of the Ham Festival” award to a man who hasn’t missed the homecoming-like weekend in 44 years, and it’s about a 45. He’s served the city in a number of roles, and has helped bolster the annual pork party as a committee chair, entertainment liaison and more.

He’s also a two-time grand champion for his ham, and he’s the outgoing Public Works Director in Kerry Fowler — who has scores of memories during his time at the celebration, one of which includes Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander.

King also doled out a new “Spirit of Cadiz” award to former City of Cadiz Main Street Manager Casey Parrent, who also recently served as Ham Festival Committee Chair and helped manage the Renaissance Center.

The 45^th Annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival officially opens to the public tonight at 5 with the “Great American Shows” Carnival at West Cadiz Park. Main Street from Brown Street to KY 139 was closed to through traffic at noon, and will not reopen until Sunday.