As growth headed down Interstate 65 through Shelby County, Calera Mayor George Roy just waited.

It’s coming, he told his residents, and he was determined to be ready.

Well, Calera’s time is here, and the city of Calera owes much to Mayor Roy.

He has prepared it well.

The Wal-Mart Supercenter he helped to bring to the city is bringing in a tremendous amount of revenue to the city.

And now, there’s talk that Calera will be the home of the next Cracker Barrel, a clear sign of growth and prosperity.

These restaurants are notorious for popping up in prosperous and growing places where people are inclined to pull off the interstate to stop and stay a spell.

On Monday, members of the Shelby County Commission gathered in Calera to unveil the new George W. Roy Recreational Park, which he thought was going to be called 2nd Avenue Park.

But the idea to name the park after Roy was a no-brainer, considering his 33 years of service.

His hard work and dedication have prepared Calera to take over as the fastest growing city in the fastest growing county in this state.

Congratulations and thank you to Mayor George Roy