The Liberty County Democratic Party had its annual Awards Banquet April 9 at the John D. McIver Auditorium in Midway.

The room was filled with elected and appointed officials, candidates of the upcoming election, including candidates for sheriff, magistrate court judge, and clerk of superior court, along with fellow Democrats.

The speaker was state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, native of Liberty County. His message challenged the party to remain united, referring to the party as a "big tent that covers all."

County party Chairman Charles Frasier recognized award recipients: Dorothy F. Lewis, Winfred Bell Yellow Dog Award; Dr. Clemontine F. Washington, Sen. Rene’ Kemp Public Service Award; Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, Sen. Glenn Bryant Community Service Award; Jerrid Thompson, Frasier/Williams Young Democrat Award; Neloweze Cooper, inductee to Hall of Fame.

The meal was catered by chef Efrim DeHart.