The motion was made to remove the horseback-riding portion of the parade by the committee sue to safety and cleanliness concerns.
“There will probably be some people who are upset,” Committee Chairperson Teresa Russell said at the meeting. “All the way around, I think we are just waiting for an accident to happen.”
Russell said that there had been many complaints regarding the feces left behind by horses and the lack of consideration of people riding the horses. Members also expressed concern for children who are inexperienced at riding and the possibility of scaring a horse and getting hurt.
Russell also noted that this year’s parade will be a pre-registered event. If you do not pre-register, then you will not be able to participate.
“People need to understand that it is a pre-registered parade. You can’t just show up and get in,” she said.
Committee members also discussed the theme for the festival. In recent years, the three-day event has not had a theme, but this year things are changing. The theme of the Ham Festival will be “The Big Pig Gig.” All elements of the festival should abide by this theme. Parade floats and other amenities should reflect the theme, members said.
Members also discussed the possibility of holding a contest for various prizes. Such prizes would include prettiest pig or biggest pig, depending on the decision by the committee that has yet to be made.
A fireworks display will be held on two nights, Friday and Saturday. The City of Cadiz is handling the efforts behind the fireworks display.
The design for Ham Fest T-shirts has been accepted and t-shirts have been produced. The shirt is light blue with three pigs playing instruments on the front. The cost of shirts will be $10 for all sizes extra-large and under. Larger shirts will be available for $12. Hats will also be sold.
Six thousand dollars has been received from sponsors. Pam Alexander, treasurer for the committee, said checks from other sponsors are still coming in. She also said income is nearly the same as last year, to this point. She added that booth income and t-shirt sales will also be coming in soon.
The Ham Fest Scholarship program awarded their yearly scholarship to Lauren Mayfield, of Cadiz. She received $300 from the committee and will be attending Murray State this fall.
