Selma residents can pet animals, grab some food and ride a pirate ship at the 57th annual Central Alabama Fair that kicks off Monday evening. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The fair includes a myriad of rides and attractions for all ages, Lions Club member and fair manager John Haskell said, adding the pirate ship ride remains one of the more popular attractions.

“It looks like a pirate ship and rocks back and forth,” he said. “We will also have a Ferris wheel that used to belong to Michael Jackson. It came from his Neverland Ranch.”

In addition to rides, the fair also includes a petting zoo and several competitions.

Monday, the fair will host a Miss Central Alabama Fair Pageant. The junior pageant will be Tuesday.

On Wednesday, four area elementary schools will put on skits.

On Thursday the fair will host a sing-off talent show. The winner will receive $500.

On Saturday, the fair will host a Little Miss Central Alabama Fair Pageant and the Tiny Miss Central Alabama Fair Pageant. The little miss pageant is for five and six year-olds.

“People should just come out and enjoy the atmosphere,” Haskell said.

Tickets cost $5 to get in the gate. The rides cost an additional $15. Children younger than 5 years get in free.