By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The sound of clay pigeons shattering will fill air at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Training Center during the seventh annual Sporting Clay and Firearm Safety Event Sept. 21.

The event, which will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., benefits Shelby County Toys for Needy Children, according to Range Master and Deputy Training Coordinator Tracey Lawley.

“We’ll have 25 targets from five different stations with a shotgun,” Lawley said. “(Clay shooting is) much more difficult than skeet or trap in my opinion. Targets are different sizes and come from different angles at different speeds.”

Lawley said the event typically draws about 100 shooters, and the training center will have some “loaner” guns if participants need them.

The five-stand event costs $25 entry fee and $15 for each additional entry.

The top shooters will win prizes, Lawley said, and participants can win door prizes during the event.

Sponsorships are available through Sept. 15. For more information, call Teresa Smith at 670-6062.

Also, the sheriff’s department is selling Boston butts for $30 apiece. The Boston butts will be ready for pickup Sept. 21. To order, email Smith at tsmith@shelbyso.com by Sept. 15.

For information about the clay shoot, call Lawley at 669-8884. The training center is located at 543 McDow Road in Columbiana.