For the 20th year running, area children have a safe place to go for Halloween.

The Pride of Alabama Elks Lodge #1170, of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World is holding its annual Halloween Carnival for the Kids tonight at 6 p.m.

“We try to provide the children a safe place to celebrate Halloween so parents will feel comfortable,” Collins Pettaway, Elks Recording Secretary said.

The parents seem to appreciate it, Pettaway said, adding, the carnival has always been well attended and it seems to grow more each year.

This year, the carnival, which is always free, will feature games, door prizes, food, drinks and, of course, candy.

Pettaway said the program has not only been successful through the years, but served as a spring board for other activities.

“Many other organizations try to follow the same lead,” Pettaway said, “to try and have a safe haven to celebrate Halloween.”

The IBPOE of W started as the African-American part of the original Elks club. The IBPOE gave black members a chance to participate in community, social and civil activities during the segregation era.

“African-Americans couldn’t necessarily share with the caucasians within the group,” Pettaway said.

Since then, the IBPOE has been a big part of Selma.

Pettaway wanted to thank Lodge #1170’s exalted ruler, Norbert Neely for his help with the carnival as well.