The City of Selma kicks off its most ambitious Fourth of July celebration ever this evening at Memorial Stadium with a community-led patriotic concert and fireworks display entitled “Selma Salutes the USA, United We Stand.”

“It’s going to be a very family-oriented celebration of our country’s independence and this community,” said Patty Sexton, of the city’s community development office.

This is the second year the city has sponsored the annual Fourth of July celebration. Sexton promised that this year will be the largest such celebration Selma residents have ever witnessed.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7:45 p.m. The Selma Police Department strongly advises all those wishing to attend to arrive early to avoid last-minute traffic. Admission is free.

Mike Reynolds of radio station WDXX-WHBB will be the master of ceremonies. An Alabama National Guard color guard will present the flag.

The Selma High School majorettes will lead a children’s parade. Katie Veach and Ben Obomanu, Selma’s Girl and Boy of the Year, will each give a patriotic reading.

Gordon Welch, minister of music at First Baptist Church, will conduct a brief concert by the Selma Community Chorus, followed by a community sing-a-long of patriotic songs.

The fireworks display this year will be choreographed to patriotic music. The music can be heard over the public address system at the stadium and radio stations WDXX and WHBB.

Sexton urged everyone wishing to view the fireworks to find a seat inside the stadium as there will be a number of special displays that will not be visible to those outside.

She also cautioned those who will be attending against bringing any fireworks with them. Discharging fireworks within the city limits of Selma is against the law.

“Come, have a good time,” said Sexton. “It’s all free, and the best seat in the house will be in Memorial Stadium.”