Riverfest adds race to grilling contest

By Paul Huggins, Staff Writer, The Decatur Daily
Even if everything you toss on the grill comes out dry or burned, you still have a chance to win money at the 15th annual Riverfest in two weeks.
The Morgan County Rescue Squad has offered a river race during the state barbecue championship with two $250 cash prizes.
It will have two categories: canoes and kayaks. All entries must be manufactured boats and cannot feature any battery- or engine-powered propulsion.
The Sept. 19 race will begin at 10 a.m., starting and ending at Ingalls Harbor.
Racers will paddle up river under Hudson Memorial Bridge, circle a rescue squad boat and return down river to the finish line. The length is about two miles.
Each entry can have no more than two people aboard. For a list of rules and registration forms, visit www.decaturjaycees.com.
Barbecue and bands
Organized by Decatur Jay­cees and sponsored by Valley Budweiser, Riverfest will continue to feature about 70 pitmasters from across America, as well as barbecue vendors selling ribs, chicken, pork and brisket.
Non-barbecue vendors will have roasted corn, hot dogs and hamburgers, gumbo, nachos and smoked turkey legs.
The two-day event also will present 10 bands as well as children’s activities that include inflatable rides.
The U.S. Army rock climbing wall will be a new activity.
Pepsi Bottling of Decatur is a new sponsor this year and will bring the No. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAR vehicle, which includes a video game and simulator.
Chris Lilly, vice president of Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue and leader of the local restaurant’s world champion barbecue team, will give a barbecue demonstration Sept. 19 from noon to 1 p.m.
Afterward, Lilly will autograph copies of his new cookbook.
Another new item is the Rooster and Hen Party on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The party is open to all former Jaycees. Those who plan to attend must register with hstephens2005@aol .com by Wednesday.
Riverfest admission is free until 4 p.m. on Sept. 18 and 3 p.m. on Sept. 19. Evening sessions cost $10 per person.
Weekend passes costing $15 are for sale at the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Riverfest band line-up
Riverfest 2009 will feature all North Alabama bands for entertainment.
Sept. 18
4 to 5 p.m. – Dusty & Dusty
5 to 6 p.m. – Mike Roberts
6 to 7:15 p.m. – Blackeyed Susan
7:45 to 9 p.m. – Rearview Ghost
9:30 to 10:45 p.m. – Lynum
Sept 19
3 to 4 p.m. – Trinity Mountain Boys
4 to 5 p.m. – Barbecue awards announced
5 to 6 p.m. – Kosmic Mama
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Black Label
8 to 9:45 p.m. – Eyes Around
9:45 to 11 p.m. – Bishop Black