Cordeiro wins 2019 Miss Decatur Barbecue title
DECATUR — “The winner of the 2019 Miss Decatur Barbecue contest is….” A hush filled the crowd at Veterans Park in Decatur as the master of ceremonies got ready to announce the name of the new Barbecue queen.
Five contestants, Kaylee Morales, Destiny Mejia and Kyleigh McBride from Decatur High School, along with Legend Kavanaugh and Falyn Cordeiro from Gentry High School, vied for the title of Miss Decatur Barbecue. The contestants lined the stage at the Montgomery USO Bandstand at Veterans Park during the 66th annual Decatur Barbecue Saturday, awaiting the judge’s decision.
At around 2:30 p.m. the public got its first look at all five contestants during the Barbecue Parade through downtown Decatur, shortly after a blinding rain fell in the area at around 1 p.m., causing a 90-minute delay.
Desi Meek, the 2018 Miss Decatur Barbecue, led the pageant contestants down Main Street.
After the parade, the contestants gathered at Decatur Assembly of God for the interview and formal wear portion of the competition. Then it was time to take center stage at Veterans Park.
One by one, the five contestants walked across the stage one last time for the judges, family, friends and Barbecue fans.
It took less than five minutes to decide the runners up and the new Miss Decatur Barbecue.
The Miss Congeniality award went to Legend Kavanaugh from Gentry. Second runnerup went to Kaylee Morales from Decatur. First runnerup and the winner of the Evening Gown competition was Destiny Mejia from Decatur. And finally the announcement everybody was waiting for.
As Meek waited with the Miss Decatur Barbecue crown and sash, the emcee made the announcement.
The winner is,” he paused, “Falyn Cordeiro!”
Cordeiro will go on to participate in the Benton County Fair pageant in Bentonville.
“The Decatur Chamber of Commerce congratulates Falyn on being named the 2019 Miss Decatur Barbecue and wishes her luck in the upcoming Miss Benton County Fair contest,” said Kim Wilkins, chamber president.