Trigg County’s reformed and rebuilt Country Ham Festival Committee convened in Cadiz Wednesday afternoon — with plenty of review on what can, should, and should not happen during the community’s top annual celebration.
In a look back on 2023’s efforts, Renaissance On Main Director Brianna Hyde noted there were several issues that bogged the weekend, including:
— The sound company hired was “not timely” and “not accountable,” stalling opening ceremonies and evening concerts;
— Despite a “very clear schedule” and “very clear directions,” shuttle buses were late the first day, and completely forgot someone the second day;
— And handicap parking remains lacking for the town and its thousands of visitors.
What went well? Hyde noted:
— New contests generated buzz;
— Most of the bands were hits instead of misses;
— There were no major issues of getting vendors in place;
— And the return of the Sunday afternoon parade was well received and attended.
But even these things, she added, need improvement. Particularly the music.
Hyde noted while last year’s mix of bands was “great,” it still “feels like the same ones every year,” and that the festival needs a changeout.
However, expectations need to be tempered. The festival’s budget typically hovers at, or less than, $50,000 — which doesn’t offer a lot of options for acts like George Jones, or George Strait ’til real late and dancing cheek to cheek.
In order for the festival to reach back to those heights, Hyde noted that booth rentals and sponsorships needed to crest, at minimum, $75,000.
There’s also a considerable energy around making Friday’s Renaissance Stage a focus on old and new gospel acts, while Saturday could become a bigger act for the main stage. Hyde, and others, also agreed that music choices for people visiting between 10 AM and 4 PM are much different than those visiting from 4-9 PM.
Hyde said more than 50 vendors have applied for 2024’s pig party, and more than 100 have called, and a couple of unique changes are on the way — especially with utilities — and she knows pushback is coming.
Furthermore, and at the design of County Treasurer Lucy Oliver Kyler, there will be a heavily-promoted “Locals’ Lane” — in which 10′ x 10′ spaces will be offered at discounted rates for deeply-rooted vendors.
Using some of the side streets closer to the Justice Center, Hyde said this should serve as a great incubator for groups looking to grow into the 10′ x 20′ spots on Main Street.
Kyler said the No. 1 complaint she receives every year is “the festival is not Trigg County anymore, and that it’s all about people coming in.”
On the counterbalance, Hyde said that the Ham Festival still needs to drive in visitors for the homecoming, putting people in local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and BnB’s for revenue.
Other key notes and considerations:
— Beth Sumner, of the Trigg County Chamber, said officials of Helping Hands will begin phasing out their support of the “World’s Largest Ham & Biscuit,” and will be passing those responsibilities on to “The Way.” Sumner added that the 50-year Anniversary of the festival is in two years, and that it might be time to bring in officials from the Guinness Book of World Records to renew the hype.
— According to city councilwoman Brenda Price, static prices for shirt sales “went well,” as large and extra larges sold out.
— Tobacco and firearm sales are not permitted within the festival, but several members noted that after a “walk of shame” down Main Street, illicit issues pop up “within hours.” Hyde said it’s been written in vendor contracts that a singular warning will be issued before further violators are escorted from the festival. Those who were trouble last year have already been “marked off the list” for 2024, because plenty of vendors are waiting.
— There’s also some talk to add new competitions, while bringing back some old ones. Hyde said “Hog Callin’” and “Barrel Racin’” could be additional options, while more promotion of the activities out at the Trigg County Recreation Complex under 4-H and other agriculture related agents needs to occur.
