By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

Fifteen high school bands will fill up Memorial Stadium Saturday at 12 p.m. for the 13th annual Central Alabama Band Festival.

The Selma High School Marching Saints Band of Blue will not only be hosting the event, but will also be performing. It’s the first time in the past three or four years that Selma’s band has performed at the Battle of the Bands.

Selma High School band director Brandon Williams said it was time Selma performed at the Battle of the Bands again.

“This year I’m going to give the people what they want,” Williams said.

Bands travel from all over Alabama to Selma to compete. Pebble Brook High School is traveling from Georgia.

Williams said the great food, top-notch bands and family setting make the event one that people will not want to miss.

“You don’t see 15 bands in one area every day,” Williams said.

While the event has a fun vibe, the bands who attend are there to compete. Minor High School is the two-time reigning champion of the Central Alabama Band Festival. Williams said there are multiple schools that may challenge Minor for the title this year including Ramsay, Anniston and Paul Bryant.

Williams said he expects the event to last until 6 p.m. The Selma marching band will be the last band to perform.

For those who love halftime shows, there is sure to be enough entertainment to go around Saturday at the Battle of the Bands.

“Just the atmosphere itself is going to be fantastic,” Williams said. “Everyone that can come, please do come. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate.