Bedford County Historical Society President Al Simmons presents County Mayor Eugene Ray with a proclamation from Gov. Phil Bredesen declaring Dec. 3 as "Bedford County Day" in Tennessee, as State Sen. Jim Tracy looks on. Second row, from left: Historical Society vice president Bill Cortner, recording secretary Mary Lynn Prince, board members Wilene Sanders Bomar and Mary Ruth Simmons, and corresponding secretary Carolyn Smotherman. Back row: board members Ewin Stewart, Kathryn Hopkins, Lorraine Foster and Annie Mae Phillips. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney)

Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a proclamation declaring Dec. 3, the county's 200th birthday, as "Bedford County Day" in Tennessee.

State Sen. Jim Tracy and officials of Bedford County Historical Society presented a copy of the proclamation to County Mayor Eugene Ray on Monday, so that it can be read and referred to during the official bicentennial celebration Dec. 3 at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds.

The proclamation, signed by the governor on Nov. 16, notes Bedford County distinctives including the Tennessee Walking Horse and Shelbyville's reputation as "Pencil City."

The event on Dec. 3 will mark the actual date of the county's charter in 1807. Marilyn Massengale has organized a choir performance to mark the event, and heavy hors d'oeuvre will be served.

The Dec. 3 event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested by calling 703-2292.

The Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee has put together Monday's official event, as well as the "Celebration of Christmas Past" this Saturday on the courthouse square.