Sen. Jeff Sessions was the keynote speaker at the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual dinner held at the American Village Aug. 22.

The crowd of approximately 200 listened attentively as Sessions covered every topic from the need for oil independence and tax reform to the war in Iraq and the 2008 presidential election.

The seventh-annual Republican Party Dinner began with a reception and photo opportunity with Sessions in the Oval Office at the American Village, then dinner was held in the American Village Barn.

Trust me it is like no other barn you have ever seen. A chicken dinner was served, no pork and no bull.

Ironically, it was at this same event last year that Sen. Trent Lott was the keynote speaker and predicted Sen. John McCain would be the Republican Party nominee for president.

It was also at this event one year ago that Probate Judge Patricia Fuhrmeister made her last official public appearance as co-chair of the event. It was fitting that two close friends of hers, whose lives she greatly impacted in a personal and professional way, were awarded Republicans of the Year awards at this year���s banquet. County Commissioner and community activist Lindsey Allison was one of the honorees and I was humbled to be the other.

The Republican Party chairman, Matt Fridy, called the event a huge success, as he presented gifts to all those who participated in the event.

Music during the event was provided by University of Montevallo students Tyler Overton, playing the harpsichord, and Claire Wilson, playing the recorder.

The National Anthem and God Bless America were sung by Mike Vest. Long-time Republican advocate Freddy Ard also participated in the event and the presentation of the Republicans of the Year awards.

For more information about the Shelby County Republican Party, visit www.shelbygop.org.

Beth Chapman can be reached by e–mail at bethchapman@bellsouth.net.