With Independence Day coming up quickly, Shelby County residents should flock to Columbiana to kick off the holiday with one of the best patriotic celebrations of them all: the city’s annual Liberty Day event June 24-25.

While Liberty Day actually celebrates the Statue of Liberty, the event showcases the best of American patriotism and Shelby County hospitality.

Liberty Day isn’t just about good food, live music and greeting great friends — although that’s a huge part of the day’s appeal.

Rather, Liberty Day organizers work to honor and remember the reason Independence Day exists — the courageous people who work every day to protect and defend the United States, whether that means working tirelessly within our country’s borders or venturing overseas.

The guests of honor at Liberty Day will all be military veterans and other members of the armed services.

There’s plenty for kids and parents to do, with band Total Assets kicking off the event with a performance Friday night at 7 p.m. Liberty Day will pick back up at 9 a.m. Saturday with a children’s carnival, balloon artist, more live music, food vendors and arts and crafts vendors. Celebrities such as Miss Shelby County Megan Picklesimer and Miss Alabama Courtney Porter will be on hand to sign autographs as well.

The Liberty Day parade will be at 3:30 p.m., and the weekend will be capped off with fireworks at the Shelby County High School football stadium. Continue to support Shelby County and Columbiana through visiting Liberty Day and the county’s other patriotic celebrations during the July 4 weekend.

The We Say is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.