Mayor James Perkins Jr. personally thanked Selma with a celebration held at Bloch Park, featuring food and games for the city’s children.

“We’re thanking the citizens of Selma for their support and thanking God for (his) blessings,” Perkins said.

At least 100 Selma residents gathered, including most of the city council, for the celebration.

“It just felt good,” Perkins said.

Perkins and his supports fed the crowd, and piped gospel music and hip-hop in for entertainment. They served hotdogs and refreshments, while children played on an inflatable “moon-walk,” slide and basketball game.

Perkins said he hoped the celebration would be the start of a trend in Selma. Several council members said they hoped to be able to do similar celebrations on a smaller scale in their own wards.

Perkins said the council members could use the events as public forums in their wards to find out how ward residents feel about issues facing the council. He said they’d be chances for commuities to come together as well.

Perkins said he may hold events like it throughout his term as well.

“(It) was good to see the kids out playing and having fun,” Perkins said.