Shelby County has already seen several festivals this summer, with two of the best —Columbiana’s Liberty Day and Wilsonville’s God and Country Celebration — already past, and more great ones still to come.

So many of our county’s excellent events happen around July 4, and for good reason.

There’s nothing like Independence Day to get together with friends, watch fireworks (from a safe distance) and enjoy good food, music and fun. And Shelby County’s communities throw some of the best Independence Day celebrations anywhere.

Apparently, people from all over the metro area and the state agree.

Columbiana’s Liberty Day garnered thousands of attendees, and the final total figures to be more than last year, according to Mayor Allan Lowe.

Wilsonville’s God and Family Celebration continues to grow as well, according to Wilsonville Mayor Rosemary Liveoak.

This year, a third of the town’s population came out to enjoy gospel singing, preaching and the community’s family feel.

Such festivals remind us of why we are so blessed to make our homes in Shelby County.

Shelby County is truly a county of close-knit communities where most care about their neighbors, and nowhere is that more apparent than during events such as the God and County Celebration or Liberty Day.

This July 4, spend a little time out at community events. You might be surprised at what you’ll find.