By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

The good times are rolling, and they’re almost here.

The city of Selma and Downtown Selma Association will host the second annual Mardi Gras celebration with a charity masquerade ball Friday, Jan. 29 and parade and festival following Saturday, Jan. 30.

The ball will kick off the celebration at 7 p.m. at the George Patrick Evans Reception Hall. Tickets are available at City Hall for $20. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to local charities.

“The people seem excited, and the ticket sales are going well so far,” Selma Mayor George Evans said.

The ball is formal or semi-formal and will feature live entertainment, food and drinks.

The fun will continue Saturday at 10 a.m. on Broad Street. Moon pies and beads will be passed out during the parade.

Evans said this year’s parade will include a little over 30 participants, which is about the same number as last year. The street festival will follow immediately after on Water Avenue in front of the St. James Hotel.

Evans said the festival will have games, activities and live entertainment for children such as a train ride. He said there will be more than eight vendors with different foods, drinks and treats during the festival.

The deadline to participate in the parade or to be a vendor in the festival was Jan. 22.

Evans said they will continue to sell tickets for the ball even up to the event. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

Evans said even though weather isn’t a major concern for the parade and festival at the moment, if it appears weather will be a threat they will make plans accordingly.

For more information about tickets, call (334) 874-1234 or (334) 874-2101.