If there’s ever a week to hope for good weather, it’s this one.

The calendar is full of family-friendly events over the next few weeks in Selma and Dallas County. The Alabama River Chili Cookoff will be held Thursday on Water Avenue and is always a big hit. The gates open to the public at 4 p.m. and admission is $5.

Like always, the event is in good fun, but also benefits a local organization. This year proceeds will go toward the Selma Area Food Bank.

Two days later, the Central Alabama Crawfish Festival will be held at Lions Fair Park. The festival will include about 1,600 pounds of crawfish and will also feature several bands. General admission to the event is $5, with proceeds going toward eye care in the community.

Events later this month include the Battle of Selma Reenactment and the Butterflies and Bridges Run, so there’s plenty to do throughout April.

We encourage the community to get out to the Alabama River Chili Cookoff and Central Alabama Crawfish Festival this week. Both of them are a great chance to catch up with friends, meet new people and have some fun.

We hope to see you at both events.