The coolness in the air tells us it’s time for fall, and that brings thoughts of the annual

Central Alabama Fair, which starts today.

With cotton candy and funnel cakes, amusements on the midway, live entertainment and pageants, the 50th Annual Central Alabama Fair offers a lot of entertainment for local residents.

The annual fair, held at the Lion’s Fair Park on West Dallas Avenue, is sponsored by the Lions Club and the Alabama Department of Agriculture Center Board.

Awards are offered for locally canned goods, artwork, crops and even livestock.

Tonight is youth night and armbands for the rides can be purchased for $12 from 5 p.m. until closing. There’s also entertainment – with dulcimers in the armory from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and the Selma High School band beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Lions Club will also be holding free eye screenings in the exhibit building on Monday from 5 to 9 p.m.

On Tuesday, fairgrounds open at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Miss Central Alabama Fair Beauty Pageant will be held, and at 7:30 p.m. Marty Raybon will take the stage (The $5 and $3 gate fee includes the show).

Events continue through Saturday, with an array of entertainment planned, including Randy McDaniel in concert Friday night and the Little Miss Central Alabama Fair Beauty Pageant on Saturday afternoon.

Come out and enjoy everyone’s favorite fall event.