By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain will be the featured guest speaker July 16 at the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual Reagan-Lincoln Dinner at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

A reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7.

Judge Michael Joiner will be honored as the 2011 Shelby County Republican of the Year. The former Circuit Court judge was appointed in February to the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals.

Co-chairs for the event are state Rep. April Weaver and County Commissioner Rick Shepherd.

“Our annual event is one that has a fabulous reputation, always much-anticipated around the state, and this year should be no exception,” Shelby County GOP Chairman Freddy Ard wrote in a press release. “Supporters of our county party always respond generously, and having a presidential candidate like Herman Cain as our guest will certainly broaden the level of interest this year.”

More event details are available at www.ShelbyCountyGop.org.