August 3-5, Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
It’s huge and it’s free. From the Civic Center to the Decatur Arts Council, there’s block upon block and three days of family fun in the streets of downtown Decatur during the Decatur Celebration.
Ten stages, yes, “The Beat Goes On,” which is the theme of this year’s shindig. Headliners include: Platinum artist and Grammy Award winner, Billy Ocean (pictured above); Grammy-nominated group with one of the 100 best-selling albums of the 1990s, Spin Doctors; Double Platinum 1990s R&B group, Color Me Badd; Current Billboard Country Top 20 group and ACM Top New Vocal Group in 2010, Gloriana; Billboard Country Top 20 artist and “American Idol” season 9 finalist, Casey James; multi-awardwinning contemporary Christian group, Big Daddy Weave; Christian Rap sensation, LeCrae; legendary disco group and Grammyaward winners, The Trammps, featuring Earl Young; 1960s soul artist Mitch Ryder and special guest Michael “Supe” Granda of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
And the beat goes on. There’s lots of local music, too. The Back Lot “Indie” art and music district returns, featuring emerging music artists, local artist exhibitions, a community art project and craft beer tasting. The Goodtimes Stage, in a new location on William Street, hosts country music all weekend, including headliners on Saturday and Sunday.
Three blocks house arts and crafts, while The Wine Garden returns with a premier selection of boutique wine in a new location on Merchant St., with the cool sounds of blues on the nearby Cabaret Stage.
Miller Spectacular Shows Carnival returns with exciting rides in the Decatur Civic Center parking lot. All You Can Ride wristband night is Thursday, Aug. 2, 4-11 p.m. A Kids Block featuring children’s games, shows and prizes will impress and inspire your youngsters, as will the Tate & Lyle and RK Dixon Razzle Dazzle Goodtimes Parade. It kicks off Saturday’s Decatur Festival at 10 p.m.
The award-winning Land of Lincoln Credit Union 21 Film Project hosts its awards ceremony in the Civic Center auditorium on Friday night, and screens films Saturday and Sunday in The Back Lot.
If you plan to eat and drink at the festival, you’ll need to buy a Band Together wristband. They are required to purchase food and beverages. Each band costs $5 for the weekend if you buy them in advance. They are $6 on site. “We appreciate the overwhelming support festivalgoers have shown in purchasing the bands. This enables us to continually bring high-caliber entertainment to our festival,” states Decatur Celebration board president, Steve Furrow.
Don’t miss a beat. Utilize the festival website as a guide to plan your Decatur Celebration, at www.decaturcelebration.com.
