The 55th annual Central Alabama Fair is only days away. Members of the Selma Lions Club and other volunteers are working tirelessly to make sure everything is in place before the vendors and rides arrive.

Each October, the fair arrives with great anticipation. The rides, the food, and the games are something people in the Black Belt look forward to every year.

The fair is very special to people in our region because, after 55 years, it is something of a tradition for some families.

But the fair is even more special to  those who benefit from its proceeds. Money from the fair goes to the Alabama Lions Sight Conservvation Association, which gives glasses to  people in the area who can’t afford them. Money is also donated to the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

Your $5 in admission could give someone the gift of sight, help provide aid to  victims of a natural disaster, or go toward giving a less-fortunate child in the area a Merry Christmas.

There are plenty of reasons to go to the fair when the gates open Monday, Oct. 3. If you have never been to the fair before, be sure to drop by. You will have lots of fun and you will know your money is going to a good cause.

If you are a regular visitor, make a second trip. You can never have too much fun!