Come April 2, a hometown girl is hoping for a day of blue skies, tasty barbecue and plenty of local folks to enjoy it all.

Greenville native, State Auditor Beth (Killough) Chapman, is inviting the public to join her for a 44th birthday barbecue in Greenville.

The event is slated for 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, April 2, at the Boys and Girls Club (formerly Beeland Park).

Chapman is campaigning for the office of Secretary of State.

&#8220I want everyone in Greenville to come out and join us for lunch on Sunday, April 2,” Chapman said.

&#8220It doesn't matter if they're a Republican or Democrat, it's about friendship and support for a hometown girl. The people of Greenville are a huge part of who and what I am and their moral support is critical to me.”

Chapman was part of three school systems in the city, attending W.O. Parmer Elementary School, Greenville Academy and graduating from Fort Dale Academy.

&#8220It was one of the few things I've ever done that was ‘politically correct,' and I didn't even know it at the time,” Chapman, known for her quick wit, quipped.

Her visit to the old Beeland Park facility will doubtless bring back memories of summers spent conducting children's day camps and playing in all the local tennis tournaments held there.

Chapman attended Southside Baptist Church, where her grandmother was a charter member. She recalls picking and selling tomatoes from her family's garden as a little girl, and later working at the old Belk-Hudson's Department Store (now Main Street Movies), McDonald's and Save-Way.

Much of what she learned about business and life she credits to rural Alabama values and growing in Greenville.

For Chapman, her 44th birthday celebration in her hometown is like &#8220coming full circle, and that's a good feeling.”

&#8220I look forward to seeing old friends and spending time with them,” Chapman said.

Chapman, who is also an author of two books, made international news with a stirring speech on the power of patriotism made in February 2003.

She received a national award, the Freedom Foundation's George Washington Honor Medal, for her book on patriotism.

The versatile Chapman, who has also performed on stage as a stand-up comedian, put her comedic skills to good use last year to entertain the seniors at her former church, Southside Baptist.

Currently, Chapman has no Primary opposition in her run for Secretary of State, and appears to be a favorite for the office.

&#8220I look forward to a great Sunday afternoon in April with the great people of Greenville,” Chapman said.

The birthday barbecue will feature a full barbecue lunch, drinks and dessert. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

For more information or to RSVP, call 382-5324. You can visit Chapman's website at www.BethChapman.com.