Earlier this week, the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce honored the attraction and event of the year.

The winners weren’t real surprising. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park was chosen as attraction of the year and Integrity Worldwide’s 5K was the event of the year. In the inaugural awards last year, the same two nominees won.

While congratulations are in order for the winners, we appreciate the Chamber of Commerce’s work in putting together these awards, which are voted on by the general public over a two-week period. This is a way to highlight some of Selma’s most popular events and if nothing else, has to help tourism for the winners.

Both awards were well deserved.

Integrity Worldwide has done so much for the people of Kenya, including drilling wells to make access to drinking water easier and donating school lunches. Each year the 5K run for Kenya brings in people from all over the South, who want to do their part.

Many that can’t make the trip do the run online, just so they can show their support. It’s become one of the fall’s most popular events and it seems to grow each year.

Cahawba was once Alabama’s first state capital and is now an archeological site. During the last year, Old Cahawba has held Civil War walking tours, guided bird watching tours and a wagon tour.

Each event and attraction that was nominated should feel honored. Both categories were full of strong contenders, but only one could win.

We’re already looking forward to the awards next year, which will again allow us to reflect upon another busy year in Selma.