Selma’s Southern charm was at its finest this weekend as the city greeted hundreds of people from across the state and beyond for the 29th annual Historic Pilgrimage.

The perfectly warm weather and blossoming cherry trees only added to the beauty of the houses and buildings being visited by tourists.

Pilgrimage organizer Candy Dunkin said there was a steady stream of people arriving at the Vaughan-Smitherman museum to purchase tickets.

“We’ve had a good increase over last year,” Dunkin said. “On Friday, we took in $700 more than last year. The reputation of past Pilgrimages is what keeps people coming back.”

Dunkin said several of those who purchased tickets this weekend, many from out-of-town, have come to Pilgrimage practically every year.

“I heard several comments from people who had seen our website,” Dunkin said. “That really helped in getting the word out.”

One couple visiting from Jackson, Miss. said they heard about Pilgrimage from friends and decided to come see Selma for themselves.

“We had never been to Selma before, and these houses are so beautiful,” said Susan Gleason. “Everything looks so great. I’m really enjoying it.”

Her husband, Mike, added that he was impressed with the amount of time and work that must be involved in keeping the old houses looking beautiful.

The volunteers at each location say they have been busy greeting visitors at a fairly constant rage.

Over at the Sturdivant Hall, volunteers Karen Weir and Elise Blackwell stayed busy as people came through the doors one group at a time.

Beth Pearce, who spent Saturday helping her parents at the Cawthon-Williamson Home, said tours have taken place there nonstop.

“It has been very busy,” Pearce said. “We’ve had a lot of people from out-of-town. They will come up to us and say ‘We’ve been looking for this house’.”

Over at the Old Depot Museum, many visitors took their time browsing through the Selma pictures and relics.

Fred and Marty Hoerr, a couple from Auburn, decided to make a weekend of Pilgrimage since Marty has some paintings on display Harmony Club art show.

“We are really enjoying it,” Fred said. “I’m especially interested in the structure of the wooden stove they have here.”

Across the street at the Foundry, there were no girls wearing the usual Southern belle dresses, but visitors were treated to the sight of Civil Ware renactors and a blacksmith demonstrating his craft.

As Pilgrimage finally came to a close Saturday evening with Graveyard Cemetery tour and night showing of Brownstone Manor, organizers finally had a chance to sit back and congratulate themselves for a job well done.