The 20th Annual Buford Pusser Festival was held Wednesday, May 21 – Saturday, May, 24. Kids of all ages enjoyed the rides and games.
	Visitors at this year's festival had the opportunity to view old posters and cars. They were also able to see "Walking Tall in Berry Land" float used in this year's parade.
	The festival in honor of the late sheriff featured a bus tour of historical landmarks that were sites of Pusser’s exploits. The bus tour, which consisted of approximately 30 individuals, toured sites near the Tennessee and Mississippi state lines where Pusser fought many of his battles and ended at the McNairy County Court House where many of Pusser’s prisoners were held and served time.
	The bus tour was a precursor to a full schedule of events planned for the 20th annual festival, the highlight however, was the opening ceremony held last Saturday at the Buford Pusser Park in Adamsville.
	While at the courthouse, Dwana and Steve Sweat told stories of the late sheriff.
	Adamsville Vice-Mayor Frank Lacey opened the 20th Annual Buford Pusser Festival's opening ceremony by welcoming everyone. He then said a short prayer thanking God for the many dedicated officers and service people that insure their communities and nation safety and freedom.
	During the opening ceremony Dwana thanked the many visitors and law enforcement officers for attending the 20th Annual Buford Pusser Festival, saying, “My daddy would be so proud of you all [officers] for the work you do.” She then briefly spoke about her father and some of the things he endured to serve his community.
	Many local and national law enforcement officers were on hand to take part in the event.
	Flanked by members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Adamsville Police Chief Bill McCall honored Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop near Covington in January 2007. McCall thanked the many officers for their service and reminded the audience a police officers ultimate goal is to get home to their family at the end of their shift. He then said a prayer for Jenks’ surviving family members and safety for the officers that put their life on the line each day.
	Dwana presented Martha Leitschuh the Hometown Hero of the Year award. Leitschuh was the first curator of the Sheriff Buford Pusser Home and Museum. She, along with current Adamsville Parks and Recreation Director Debbie Moffett, cataloged Pusser artifacts that are still on display at the museum.
	Dwana presented the Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Selmer Police Officers Robert Hitchborn and Chris Reynolds. Selmer Police Chief Neal Burks nominated Officers Hitchborn and Reynolds for their efforts in saving a life during a call last year. According to the nomination letter, Officers Hitchborn and Reynolds responded to a possible fire and observed a unconscious man lying in a room filled with smoke. The man was pulled from the building and was quickly resuscitated as a result of the officer’s aid.
	Dwana presented The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
	During his acceptance, Arpaio said he had always been an admirer of the late Sheriff Pusser. Arpaio said he had a Pusser stick hanging behind his desk.
	Arpaio is know for his hard stance on justice and rehabilitating criminals serving time in his jail. He is also well know for his stance against illegal immigration. While he was speaking on the subject, he acknowledged supporters in the audience that were holding signs that thanked him for his fight against illegal immigration in his state.
	Arpaio proudly displayed his award.
	Sheriff Arpaio visited with fans and local law enforcement after the ceremony.
	As usual, antique and modified cars were a popular sight at the festival.