This weekend, Butler County will celebrate one of its own.

Hiram Williams was born on Sept.17, 1923, right here in Butler County. He’s better known by his nickname Hank, and when it comes to country music there’s no bigger name.

Williams recorded 35 singles, five of which were released posthumously, that would place in the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked No. 1.

If that’s not impressive enough, consider the fact that Williams did it all in just 29 years.

Beginning Thursday, the City of Georgiana, which is home to Williams’ boyhood home, will kick off the 33rd annual Hank Williams Festival.

The event is a salute to the country music legend, and will feature a performance by Williams’ daughter, Jett Williams.

It will also include performances from local talents such as Starla Jones, Steve Norman, Southern Legends and Kevin Sport, who will also serve as the host for Saturday night’s mini-Opry.

Along with the music, there will be arts and crafts and plenty of delicious food.

We’d like to encourage everyone to make the trip down to Hank’s old stomping grounds to celebrate one of our own and enjoy plenty of good music at the same time.