He loved Georgia and especially the University of Georgia. In his short life - he was only 48 when he died of heart complications ­ he authored 25 books, thousands of columns and was the sports editor of the Atlanta journal by age 23.

About five months ago we met with Lewis' surviving widow Dedra Grizzard and asked her permission to rerun some of his columns in The Covington News.

We have been pleased by the response we have had from readers who still get a kick out of his columns.

In his lifetime, Lewis brought lasting attention to many things with his humor.

His column about the fried green tomatoes and Southern country cooking he loved put a struggling little restaurant on the map. Today, The Blue Willow Inn located in Social Circle serves more than 200,000 happy people a year and is our area's largest tourist attraction.

Lewis passed away on March 20, 1994.

We, in conjunction with the Rotary Clubs of Covington and Social Circle and the American Heart Association, are proud to bring you an inaugural weekend of fun and merriment in Lewis honor at Blue Willow Inn beginning on March 14 and continuing at the Social Circle Theater on March 15.

On the 14th , Grizzard impersonator Bill Oberst Jr. will perform at a special Grizzard night featuring the finest southern food prepared by the Blue Willow. The cost to attend this performance is $99.99 per person. You might want to hurry on this one because only 200 tickets will be sold.

On the 15th Oberst will perform at a special matinee at the Social Circle Theater for a cost of only $19.99.

You can purchase tickets at The Covington News, The Rockdale Citizen in Conyers or Pinnacle Bank in Social Circle.

Or you can fill out the coupon found as a link on this editorial at www.covnews.com. Mail your request to Lewis Grizzard "In his own words," P.O. Box 164 Social Circle, Ga. 30025.

To get full details about these events check www.covnews.com or talk to any Rotarian in Covington or Social Circle.

There are plans to make this an annual event that could bring in thousands of people to the Newton County/Social Circle area over the next few years. Some will spend tourist dollars and will help the Social Circle and Covington Rotary clubs continue to support the many worthwhile projects they do every year in their communities.