It has been said – and written – many times that the best spectator sport in the state of Alabama is not at Talladega or in Bryant-Denny Stadium or Jordan-Hare Stadium. The best spectator sport is state and local politics.

And, in that sport, Chilton County plays a key role.

If you don’t believe it, just count the number of state candidates in the next two Peach Festival parades.

The first handshake between future Gov. Bob Riley and then Gov. Don Siegelman before their classic general election battle happened just moments before the start of the 2001 Peach Festival parade. In all likelihood that may have been one of their last.

The spectacle is very close to getting underway. Buckle up and hold on.