By Emily Enfinger
The Selma Times-Journal

Despite a last minute change of plans for the butterfly drop, the St. James Hotel kicked off the year 2016 with success.

The evening featured football, food and drinks, a dance-off with Mayor George Evans, local entertainment and concluded with a butterfly drop to welcome in the new year.

“When they heard about the butterfly drop and this new tradition, the city of Selma, they were elated… They were elated to come,” said Councilwoman Angela Benjamin.

Mark Peterson, who is serving as manager of the St. James Hotel, said they had to make some last minute changes to the butterfly drop. He said the butterfly originally purchased, which was made out of papier-mâché, was much smaller than anticipated. Instead, they found a wooden butterfly in storage that was once one of many displayed around the city.

“It was all smashed to pieces,” Peterson said. “No wings, just all wood pieces. So, we reassembled it back together.”

He said that the process of reassembling the butterfly reminded him of Selma and the transformation the city has had throughout history.

“We have had to go through some of the lowest periods in American history only to rise up and transform into something a lot more beautiful,” Peterson said.

He said they might use the butterfly again in future years to come, at least until it is time to retire it. They would then display it with prominence somewhere within the hotel.

Jennifer Scott, a patron of the event, said the New Year’s celebration is unique for Selma and she hopes that the tradition will continue.

Benjamin said starting a new tradition is difficult, especially with this kind of holiday because many families in Selma have their own personal traditions.