This Thursday night, area voters will have a chance to enjoy some southern specialties while they get &uot;up close and personal&uot; with local and state Democratic candidates in the upcoming election.

The Butler County Democratic Executive Committee, in conjunction with the Crenshaw County Democratic Committee and Pepsi of Luverne, is sponsoring a Fish and Grits Supper. The supper kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Butler County Fairgrounds.

Democratic hopefuls for the governor’s office, Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley and former Governor Don Siegelman, are slated to attend Thursday night’s event. Local candidates will also be on hand to briefly share their campaign platform.

&uot;This is a chance for the public to meet the candidates and ask questions,&uot; John Andrews, chairman of the Butler County Democratic Committee, said.

&uot;I think a lot of people are like me, tired of the TV ads. It’s good to have the opportunity to meet and talk with these folks face-to-face.&uot;

The first event of this type held by the local Democratic Party was a &uot;big success,&uot; Andrews said.

&uot;Four years ago, we had a lot of folks turn out. We were told it was the largest single group of people the candidates met with in the entire state.&uot;

&uot;We would like to see lots of people come out and join us for some good fish and grits and a chance to learn more about the Democratic candidates.&uot;