By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—Alabama director of tourism, Lee Sentell, emphasized the many tourist attractions of Shelby County during a July 10 South Shelby Chamber luncheon.

“Shelby County is so centrally located in the history of Alabama,” Sentell said. “You are so blessed. Being so close to historic attractions makes you feel close to the land.”

The meeting highlighted a variety of Shelby County tourist attractions including the Alabama 4-H center, Shelby Iron Works, The Alabama Firefighters Museum, the American Village, Vizzini Winery, Morgan Creek Winery and the Shelby County Arts Council.

Sentell emphasized the importance of the American Village, and noted that 30,000 school children and 40,000 tourists visit the location each year.

“I hope a lot of y’all take advantage of your proximity to the American Village,” Sentell said. “Show kids how history is made.”

Sentell also spoke about the $1 million of grant money the tourism department will be distributing in $1,000 grants.

“This will be money well spent,” Sentell said.

Sentell also presented an 1833 map of Alabama to Bobby Joe Seales, president of the Shelby County Historical Society.

April Stone, South Shelby Chamber executive director, also emphasized the many activities and sights available in Shelby County.

“All over Shelby County we have fantastic things to do on the weekends,” Stone said.