Among the amalgam of topics discussed during Tuesday’s Trigg County Country Ham Festival Committee meeting included the tossing about of ideas for new events to wrap around this year’s celebration.
At the top of suggestions included the possible return of a petting zoo to the West Cadiz Park. It’s an older treat that the festival typically has, but didn’t this last year.
And while the “Pork Chop Express” in the old IGA parking lot is a fan favorite that will likely return in the future, Cadiz City Clerk Barbie Johnson noted a conventional option might bring some fun.
As such, one option could be the “Two Sisters” out of Pembroke — who, for that Friday and Saturday — could cost around $3,000 and provide an incredible atmosphere for families and their children.
Johnson added that the duo have considerable popularity within local school systems, while committee member Sarah Elliott said they successfully helped with a family birthday party.
As for booth placement this coming year, Johnson noted that several vendors voiced some mild concerns about the process.
Specifically, several vendors that continually serve as festival anchors weren’t in regular locations this past October — and Johnson noted that’s going to change, particularly with Genesis Express.
Other notes:
— Cadiz-Trigg Tourism has already dispersed $10,000 of its annual $20,000 contribution to the Country Ham Festival budget.
— One of the public’s concerns that’s made it to the Ham Fest Committee was last year’s lighting situation in West Cadiz Park. Certain spots between rides and vendors were incredibly dark late at night, and bordered on unsafe. Johnson said the purchase and implementation of additional tower lighting will be explored in June’s meeting.
— Johnson noted more than $4,700 was cleared following last year’s Ham Fest T-shirt sales, and that the shirts couldn’t be kept in stock. Heather Reddick will likely have a hand in this year’s design, and there will be continued discussion for more pre-orders to be allowed this fall.
— The concert series at both the West Cadiz Park and the Renaissance Stage have yet to be determined at this time, but options are being explored. Johnson said Jimmy Church and Jake Hoot were popular, as was Alonzo Pennington, but bookings are open at this time.
