By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Downtown Decatur Days, blessed by ideal weather, was a proverbial “boomer.”
Lots of people, lots of vendors, lots of activities kept the downtown area extremely busy for a plus-four-hour period last Saturday.
A car show added to the multiple forms of entertainment for both kids and adults.
With all that was going on, the event afforded the Decatur Fire Decatur Fire Department an opportunity to show off its newly-arrived $2.5 million aerial truck – and gave people the chance to check out the latest addition to city equipment.
“Overall, I thought Downtown Decatur Days went really well this year,” said Executive Director Taylor Braun of Decatur Main Street, which puts on the annual event.
“We had close to 80 vendors participating, which helped create a great atmosphere throughout downtown. The crowds were strong all day, and it seemed like there was always something happening wherever you went.”
A newly-added Friday night event extended the former Downtown Day.
“Friday night’s SINGO (a mix between bingo and music) was a great way to kick off the weekend and brought a nice crowd on the Madison Street Plaza, for it being the first time we have ever extended it to a two-day event,” Braun noted.
“On Saturday, we saw families, visitors, and community members enjoying everything from the vendors and food options to the car show, Kids Zone, entertainment, and ABC Real Estate Egg Drop Challenge.”
“We are very happy with the turnout for Downtown Decatur Days,” Decatur Main Street President Max Miller said. “The weather was very cooperative. It is great to see how much this event has grown.”
Businesses in the downtown area played a large role in the annual festivities.
“One thing that stood out to me,” Braun said, “was how busy downtown businesses seemed throughout the day, from the start to end of the event. It was great to see so many people walking around, exploring downtown, and supporting local businesses.
“We also received a lot of positive comments from both attendees and vendors about the event and the variety of activities available.
“The Kids Zone was especially popular with families, and the car show once again drew a lot of interest. The Egg Drop Challenge was also a fun highlight and brought a crowd together to watch the creativity of the participants.
To Braun, the event went beyond just entertainment.
“Most importantly, it was wonderful to see downtown full of energy and people enjoying all that Decatur has to offer.” she said.
“Events like this take months of planning and wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, downtown businesses, city departments, and community partners.
“We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are already looking forward to building on this year’s success next year.
Miller, too, pointed to the effort put forth by volunteers.
“We need to give credit to a hard-working committee and to our executive director, Taylor Braun, for pulling this off,” he exclaimed.
WINNERS: Mike Beitler was a big winner Saturday.
He won the raffle for a pair of Fuji electric bicycles courtesy of Rick’s Bike Shop.
Second prize of $500 went to Tony Foor and third prize of $250 was won by Michelle Eicher.
Meghan Baczynski won the 50/50 rafffle.
The title of Little Miss Decatur Day 2026 was bestowed upon Emily Workinger.
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