The city of Selma is organizing a two-day celebration of Mardi Gras that will kickoff Friday, Feb. 6 and conclude the following day.

Among the festivities will be a performance from the Coolbone Brass Band at the St. James Hotel Friday and a parade down Water Avenue Saturday that will also end at the historic hotel, where a festival will be held that includes music, food and fun for all ages.

French explorers are credited as the first Europeans to explore the area of what is now known as Selma and the Mardi Gras celebration is a great way for the city to reconnect with its French heritage. Like many states in the south, French roots run deep in Alabama. Mobile, only a three-hour drive from Selma, is credited with holding the inaugural Mardi Gras.

There are likely several people in and around Selma that take Mardi Gras weekend off and make the five-hour drive to New Orleans or the shorter drive to Mobile, but Selma’s celebration will hopefully keep some of them home.

The Selma Mardi Gras won’t be as big as those, but it sounds like there’s going to be fun for all ages.

Organizers are encouraging the public to come dressed in Mardi Gras-style themed attire, beads and masks to set the mood.

We’re always open to the city adding any kind of family fun event that encourages community involvement and camaraderie.

Fun weekends such as the one in February help improve the quality of life by providing excitement and giving Selmians a chance to loosen up and have a little fun.