B.J. JOHNSON AND LELA MAE JOHNSON Longtime residents of Fairfield were honored with a double surprise birthday party last month.

Mrs. Lela Mae Johnson and son B.J. Johnson were surprised when they arrived at Big Cedar Country of Freestone county.

Mrs. Johnson, 70 years old and son B.J., 50, celebrate their birthdays three days apart.

Since both were hitting milestones in their lives, they were given a birthday party by family members.

Mrs. Johnson’s grandchildren titled the celebration, “An Emerald Affair.”

Decorations consisted of draping the ceiling with black, white and emerald green sheer panels highlighted with green lights giving the room an emerald green ambience.

On each table a fresh bouquet of flowers was placed with black, white and green rose petals as an accent.

The custom-made cake, a replica of the invitation, was served with custom green punch.

BEST OF SHOW DOG goes to Raegan Emmons of Fairfield and her dog Sammy Sosa. To make the occasion even more special, each honoree was told the party was for the other.

It was planned they would arrive together at the Country Club.

Mrs. Johnson, being the first to enter, was greeted by a crowd of over a hundred in attendance with each person wearing a mask with a picture of her. She was shocked to see so many people there to celebrate her.

When Johnson entered, the masks changed to a picture of him. He never had a clue.

From day one, Johnson was excited about this event for his mother. He wanted nothing but the best for his mom stating, “Invite all her friends, family and loved ones. I want this to be the best party she has ever had. She deserves it!”

On the other hand, Mrs. Johnson was desperately trying to figure this out. Let it be known that she did not figure it out.

RESERVE BEST OF SHOW DOG goes to Haley James of Freestone county and her dog Mr. T. Both, Mrs. Johnson and her son were showered with words of love from their guests.

A video created by Mrs. Johnson’s granddaughter showcased parts of their lives and friends and family sharing special memories and birthday greetings.

The party was capped off with music from both honorees’ eras.

Honorees would like to thank all family and friends who came to celebrate with them.

The 2011 Freestone County Fair and Rodeo pet show was held Saturday afternoon in the Ike Carden Pavilion of the W.L. Moody Reunion Fairgrounds in Fairfield.

Best of All Cats trophy was awarded to Sumo, a tuxedo colored main coon owned by Alisha Peterson and shown by Lacie Shaver of Fairfield.

Being the only cat shown, it didn’t take long for judges to decide to offer up all categories to the large male who basked in the glory of attention in a truly feline manner.

BEST OF ALL CATS was awarded to Sumo, shown by Lacie Shaver of Fairfield. The dog show on the other hand, had many entrants in several different categories and boasted a variety of breeds.

Best of Show was awarded to Sammy Sosa, a husky/border collie mix shown by 9-year-old Raegan Emmons of Fairfield.

Sammy Sosa also won the following: first place for the prettiest dog, largest dog and longest tail; second place for longest nose and tied for third in the talent portion where he danced with Raegan.

Reserve Best of Show winner was Mr. T, a 7- week-old miniature longhaired chihuahua shown by 6-year-old Haley James of Freestone county.

Mr. T also won first place for smallest dog, shortest ears and shortest nose; second place for shortest tail and looks most like owner (both being very small) and third place for prettiest dog.

In addition to winning the above categories with Mr. T., Miss James won the prize for having the most “most unusual” pets at home. She has a ferret, miniature horse, seven long-haired Chihuahuas, and lots of bugs for the ferret to eat.

Weston Wills of Fairfield brought his Yorkshire terrier Sophie to show off and was awarded first in talent (for sitting, laying and dancing) and looking most like her owner (having the same hair style).

Faith, a miniature pinscher owned by Carol-Ann Veretto of Fairfield was awarded first for longest nose.

A young man named Colton of Fairfield brought his Yorkshire terrier which took first for best dressed (barbeque cook) and shortest tail.

First place winner for longest ears was awarded to Remi, a labradoodle, shown by Kaya Crump of Fairfield.