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1987's festival drew national attention when County resident Evaleen Mosely was struck by an out-of-control privy in the outhouse race. This was the last year for the outhouse race!

In the early 1990's crowd attendance began to swell to 25,000 plus people as exhibits, activities and booths increased in number. Shuttle buses began to run from the edge of town to the center of activity so that many additional parking areas could be utilized.

1985 showed two new activities. Sunday included a full day of activities. Saturday night Grand Ole Opry performer, Mike Snider, entertained a crowd of 3,200 people with a free concert. 1996 the Ham Festival presented a free concert by county music singer, Ken Mellons.

Entertainment was expanded in 1997 to include a free concert on Friday night by Blues singer Dean Hall and the Loose Eels, a Saturday night concert by David Kersh and an open air Worship service on the Court House Square followed by a Gospel concert by Buck Rambo. An estimated crowd of 35,000 plus people attended the festival on Saturday alone.

While entertainment and activities continue to grow each year (there are 170 booths at this year's festival) organizers are stretched to come up with something new each year. The old time favorite petting zoo and music throughout main street is still here. The Ham Show and Judging continue to be a focal point of the Saturday activities, and hand-crafted quilts are always popular.

All of Trigg County opens their community to welcome the many visitors and "home folks" who come back to Cadiz, the second weekend in October each year. This is a time to meet many new friends and renew old acquaintances.