It’s a busy week in Selma and Dallas County and it looks like the weather is warming up as the days pass by.

That’s good news, considering the low Wednesday night is in the upper 20s.

On Thursday, the Alabama River Chili Cookoff, sponsored by Leadership Class XVIII, will take place at 4 p.m. Admission is $5. The cookoff is always one of the most anticipated events of the spring in Selma and Dallas County.

Even if it remains cold — the correct forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s — at least colder temperatures are ideal for eating chili.

This weekend is also the 42nd annual Historic Selma Pilgrimage, presented by the Selma-Dallas County Historical Preservation Society and the city of Selma.

Thirteen homes and buildings will be on the pilgrimage this year.

The pilgrimage is a chance to get inside some of Selma’s historic homes and to hear stories that often go untold about the families who used to live in those residences.

The pilgrimage is a chance to see Selma transformed into a much different time, and it’s always a lot of fun for the entire family.

Both events figure to draw big crowds this week. We hope to see you out and about.