By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — A familiar face to many in Shelby County will lead this year’s 27^th annual Liberty Day Parade.

Bobby Joe Seales, president of the Shelby County Historical Society, is grand marshal of this year’s parade, which is set for June 30 at 3 p.m.

“Among the people recommended to be grand marshal, Bobby Joe was the clear choice because not only all he does for our city, but for all the communities around our city,” said Allan Lowe, Columbiana mayor.

“The grand marshal is chosen because of the work he or she does to perpetuate Columbiana,” Lowe said. “He’s a hard working man. He’s passionate about what he does, and I’m proud to know him.”

Seales has served as president of the Shelby County Historical Society since November 1999. His list of involvement in groups that promote and preserve Shelby County and Alabama history and genealogy interests is endless. It includes involvement in the Alabama Genealogical Society, the First Families of Alabama, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance and is a life member of the Alabama Association of Historians, among others.

Seales and his wife, Diane, live in Alabaster. They are the parents of two sons, Mike and Josh, and have three grandchildren.