Published: July 25, 2007 04:35 pm            

July 25, 2007

By Fredie Carmichael

Editor

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the Neshoba County Fair — five to be exact — and I forgot how unique it is. What makes the fair so special: it embodies the South — everything from the southern food to the “welcome to my cabin, come eat with us” southern hospitality. It’s special. I feel like kicking my shoes off and talking about politics and the weather for hours.

Today was “Meridian Day” and, for two hours, the folks from Meridian had a chance to showcase, well, Meridian. There were several booths, from Meridian Community College, the Meridian Star, Mississippi State University-Meridian to the City of Meridian. The way to find the folks from Meridian: most had on red t-shirts that had an “M-Day” logo.

Reporter Brian Livingston will have a full report on Meridian Day in tomorrow’s edition.

My favorite part of today, aside from the candidates of lieutenant governor trying to rally the crowd at Founder’s Square, had to be the food. I enjoyed smoked ham, grilled chicken, fresh tomato, and an incredible pecan/chocolate cookies — all compliments of Sid Salter’s cabin, or should I say Sid’s wife.

There is nothing better than sitting on the front porch of a fair cabin, eating a cookie and listening to political speeches. After reading Sid’s column in today’s paper, I was hoping I would hear a memorable speech today like the one he heard in 1987 with John Arthur Eaves Sr. It didn’t happen today, but Phil Bryant gets my reward for the most spirited speech of the day, with Democratic hopeful Jamie Franks coming in a close second. Bryant speaks with the ease of a polished politician and the charm of a southern country boy.

The political rumblings I heard after today’s speeches: state Democrats hope Charlie Ross can beat Bryant in the primary; Franks has a better shot at beating him. But many believe Bryant will be hard to beat — in both the primary and general election. I think a Bryant versus Franks match-up would be a good one.

I’ll have more to report tomorrow after the gubernatorial speeches. Let’s be honest, this is a non-race. And most Democrats know it. Heck, many even admit it out loud. I had one tell me today that he was voting for Haley in protest. I’m not sure Eaves is that bad of a candidate — and he seems like a man of good integrity – but I doubt he’ll come close in this election.

        

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