For more than 40 years, the Trigg County Country Ham Festival has run through the heart of Cadiz.
And over those four decades, plenty of people with questionable behavior have made it easy to create a “Do’s and Don’ts” list for visitors.
Among top concerns annually is people’s propensity to bring pets to the West Cadiz Park and up through the thoroughfare along Main Street and US 68.
A tip from Cadiz Police Chief Duncan Wiggins: don’t, unless the pet is considered a certified and defined service animal for those in need.
Wiggins also noted that visitors should come early and be prepared to park at either Hamtown or at the Trigg County schools and shuttle downtown, as parking options near vendors and the carnival will be scarce.
This is because the 45th annual celebration will have two stages for entertainment — one at the Renaissance Stage for acoustic sets and awards ceremonies, and another near the fishing deck at West Cadiz Park for larger acts.
Handicapped parking across from the Burger Barn will be available, Wiggins noted, but leaving vehicles on personal property will lead to tows at the owner’s expense.
Beginning on Thursday at noon, Main Street/US 68 will be closed up to the Bank of Cadiz, as street vendors will begin moving in and setting up along downtown sidewalks. Wiggins said all vehicles typically parked in those areas need to be moved prior, and that searches will lead to contact if vehicles remain.
By 8:30 Friday morning, all streets in the downtown area will close, with vendor vehicles exiting the area. Wiggins noted the Kentucky National Guard, other Cadiz Police officers and the Trigg County Sheriff’s office will all be working different parts of the festival — as service calls unrelated to the downtown area could certainly arise.
Main Street/US 68 will reopen to thru-traffic 10 a.m. Sunday.
There is currently no mask mandate for visitors, either, but Wiggins said city employees and volunteers helping with the festivities will likely be masked, and will be required to make certain adjustments for health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19 and its Delta variant.
It is advised that visitors maintain social distancing wherever possible, and to mask when clustered — regardless of vaccination status.
An information tent and safety checkpoint will be available near the Trigg County Justice Center throughout the weekend.
