The best thing about living in the South are the five million festivals each small town has.

I guess we are just more festive than people in other parts of the country are. Especially here in Alabama.

Around every corner you will find a possum queen being crowned or a rural fun day being celebrated.

The truth is, we are just good-natured people that use any excuse we can find to gather, eat and catch up.

Butler County is probably the most festive place of all.

Where else will you find a Hank Williams Festival, GRITS Festival or a Summer Supper? There always seems to be something going on in Greenville.

As a new citizen of Greenville and Butler County I feel it is my duty to tell you all that there are other areas trying to steal your thunder.

First, there is Lowndes County. Last week I discovered they would be having an Okra Festival soon. That's awfully creative and extremely marketable. Everyone I have told about this festival has perked their ears up. Especially everyone I know that attended Delta State University. The school's mascot was once the "fighting okra" before changing to Statesmen. They are awfully excited about any festival that celebrates their beloved okra.

This festival sounds like it will have a lot to offer. There will be art, food and fun for everyone. With the creative name it is everything a small town festival should be.

The other town threatening Greenville's title as most festive town around would be my hometown of Butler, Ala. with Butlerfest. I attended this festival last weekend and have to say they did everything right.

First, they based everything around barbecue. You can't go wrong with that. If there is one thing we like in the South it's a slow roasted hog.

The other thing we love is competing for bragging rights. There was plenty of that with a barbecue competition. Somehow they were able to draw people from all over the southeast to the festival. Some had pulled their mobile pits all the way from Houston. I guess we don't have a lot to offer as far as entertainment in Butler, but we do know what people want.

When I was at Butlerfest people did ask what kinds of festivals we had in Greenville. I am proud to say I was able to rattle off more than a few.

Some remarked that Butler County had more festivals than any small town they had ever encountered.

Most of the people I told about the Camellia City's many celebrations remarked on how much fun they must be.

I'm not saying they would steal your ideas, but they all had beady eyes and slipped deep into thought when they heard about the GRITS Festival.

So be on the look out Butler County. Your title as most festive county in Alabama may soon be challenged.

People are attempting to follow your lead and you need to stay one step ahead. So continue to support the many fun activities the area has to offer. You all have a title to defend.

Rick Couch may be reached at

383-9302, ext. 132 or

via email at rick. couch@greenvilleadvocate.com.