The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

– George Washington

Families throughout Shelby County will be celebrating liberty this Saturday while attending Columbiana&8217;s 21st annual Liberty Day celebration. A complete guide to this year&8217;s Liberty Day can be found as a special insert into today&8217;s newspaper.

According to the City of Columbiana, Liberty Day began in 1986 as a group of citizens organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. Since that time, Liberty Day has grown to include hundreds of vendors and thousands of people who gather downtown Columbiana each year for food, fellowship, arts and crafts booths, and parade.

On Saturday night the festivities move to the Shelby County High School football stadium where crowds enjoy the annual Watermelon Picnic and are entertained by patriotic dance troupes, local and regional musical artists and a fireworks finale.

A parade organized by the Columbiana Rotary Club will be lead by grand marshal Richard Cook, retired local business manager for Alabama Power, and is set to begin at 4:15 p.m.

This year&8217;s event will hold a very special place historically as Shelby County hosts a Cornerstone Celebration Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Shelby County courthouse in downtown Columbiana. The Cornerstone Celebration will celebrate the 100th year of the courthouse as a new cornerstone is laid. A reception open to the public will immediately follow the ceremony featuring free cake and ice cream. County officials and volunteers have planned a grand celebration with all the pomp and circumstance fitting such a once in a lifetime event.

Contents from the original cornerstone will be on display during the day at the Shelby County Museum and Achieves [inside the &8220;old&8221; Shelby County Courthouse] offering a true glimpse into the past. Admission into the museum will be free this Saturday.

Living in Shelby County offers access to many great festivals and events and Liberty Day is certainly one of the finest. Here&8217;s hoping to see you there