This 19th Annual Sheriff Buford Pusser Festival is history. The event, which ran from Wednesday, May 23 until Saturday, May 26, was fun and memorable. There were games, food and fun. A very special thanks to my daughters Atoyia and Madison. They played a big part in helping me organize the festival this year. I couldn't have done it without them.

Below is a few photographs of this year's events.

The 19th Annual Sheriff Buford Pusser was fun for all ages. There was good food, good music and carnival rides for everyone to injoy.
Dwana welcomed everyone to the festival during opening ceremonies.
McNairy County Mayor Jai Templeton welcomed visitors to this year's event.
Assistant Commissioner with the State of Tennessee Tourism Department, Phylis Brooks welcomed visitors to this year's event.

Mrs. Brooks encouraged everyone to take part in tourism and help the state grow.
One of the annual events during opening ceremonies are Adamsville Police Chief Bill McCall’s honoring of Tennessee’s fallen law enforcement officers. After a short prayer remembering fallen officers and asking for protection for those that still serve, Chief McCall spoke strongly concerning his feelings for the work these officers do.
“These people paid the ultimate price,” said McCall. “All they [officers] want is to make it home each day when their shift is up. They deserve our respect and appreciation”
Dwana and McNairy County Sheriff Ricky Roten proudly presents Deputy Don Huggins the 2007 Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
Traditionally opening ceremony has been set aside to not only remember the late Sheriff for his contributions to his home county, but his impact on national law enforcement as well. One of the ways this has been accomplished over the years is by naming a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Though in years past the award was given to officers outside McNairy County, it was decided this year an award would be given to the most deserving local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year within the county.
Deputy Huggins, who has been in law enforcement for more that 30 years, said he was surprised.
“It was quite a shock,” said Deputy Huggins as he spoke to those in attendance. “Buford was a good man and it’s an honor to receive this award.
Deputy Huggins is the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department’s training officer, firearms instructor and teaches the McNairy County DARE program in all county schools.
“He’s done all aspects of law enforcement, and he’s so well respected that someone from another town even recommended him for the award, Dwana Pusser Garrison said. “After speaking with Sheriff Ricky Roten, I couldn’t agree more.”
Next, Sheriff Ted Kamatchus of Marshall Town, Iowa, was recognized as the 2007 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Sheriff Kamatchus began his law enforcement career in 1976. While attending Mankato State University (Criminal Justice Major), he worked as a Police Officer for the Waterville, Minnesota Police Department. In 1980 he joined the Marshalltown, Iowa Police Department. While on MPD, he served as the Park and Recreation Liaison officer and Chief Firearms Instructor for the agency.

On February 29, 1998 he was appointed to complete the term of retired Marshall County Sheriff Derald E. Gonzales. In November of 1998 he was elected to his first full term in office. Sheriff Kamatchus has successfully retained his position since that time having been elected to five consecutive terms in office.
Also during opening ceremonies, former Adamsville Mayor Harry Boosey was honored for the part he played in establishing the Buford Pusser Home and museum.
His wife Marty was recognized for her contributions to the arts in the Adamsville community. In recognition of her efforts, the Adamsville Community Center was renamed the Marty Boosey Performing Arts Center. According to Garrison, the enter will be affectionately known as the Marty.
Dwana takes a moment to sign a stick for one of the many law enforcement officers present at this year's event.
Dwana and Deputy Don Huggins pose next to the life size painting of Sheriff Buford Pusser. In the photograph below, Dwana signs Deputy Huggins' Walking Tall stick.
Dwana poses with Sheriff Ted Kamatchus next to the life size painting of Sheriff Buford Pusser.
Dwana poses with friends Harry and marty Boosey next to the life size painting of Sheriff Buford Pusser.
Dwana sends time with her grandchildren, Dani Beath, Hayse and Abby at the festival.
Young and old alike have fun at the Buford Pusser Festival.
Dwana poses with fBlake Palmer next to the life size painting of Sheriff Buford Pusser. Blake is from Tupelo, Mississippi.
Reed Vinson and Cannon Smith injoy a fun day at the festival.
As usual antique cars and hot rods were popular during this year's festival. Below is a few photos of the cars.
Capt. Joseph Jakub brought his "Reach for your Dreams" program to the festival. The program is an extremely effective anti-drug and anti-violence program.

This Harley-Davidson is part of the program.
The display also included this Corvette.
The car was in both of President George W. Bush's inaugurations.