By Mary Stewart | The Selma Times-Journal

The sixth annual Jazz on the Grazz event is back to kick off Selma’s One Hot Summer series this Saturday. The event will be from noon to 10 p.m. at Phoenix Park.

Councilwoman Angela Benjamin has been working to make this year the best yet.

“My excitement meter is over the roof this year,” Benjamin said. “I can hardly wait for Saturday to get here because we have so many things going on.”

The event will feature jazz musicians, vendors and fun activities for the kids.

“We try to cater to the family,” Benjamin said. “We have everything from a huge water slide, bouncy houses, train rides, cotton candy and all those things that children like to come outside for. Parents can bring their children out for some good old family fun.”

An exercise class — pound in the park — will be back again this year for anyone who wants to try it out.

Benjamin said that there will be a twist this year added to Jazz on the Grazz.

“Ruben Studdard is going to give away a music camp scholarship during Jazz on the Grazz this year,” she said. “His team is coming down, and they will be giving away a music camp scholarship. He will be doing the camp in Selma for two weeks in July.”

Children 12-18 years old will have the opportunity to audition for the scholarship.

“Not long after they will know who gets the scholarship. They will be announced at Jazz on the Grazz.”

There will be limited spots so Benjamin will preregister 25 contestants. If a child wants to be preregistered, they will need to call her prior to this Saturday. The rest of the remaining spots will be available to register for on the day of the event, but they will only be registering people from 11 a.m. to noon. Each audition should be a one minute performance.

The entire event, including registering for the competition, will be free. Festival attendees will only need to pay for things purchased from vendors.

If you would like to register for the competition or want more information on the event, call Benjamin at (334) 349-5389.

Benjamin said the event has been so successful because of its emphasis on community.

“It’s a very relaxing environment where you can come see your neighbor and meet some neighbors from across town,” she said. “Wherever you are there is always a neighbor from across town that might not have seen in years, or you might not have met at all. Friendships have been made at Jazz on the Grazz.”

The event will be open to the whole community and Benjamin hopes many people will come out and support the program, now in its sixth year.

“It’s very convenient, fun and it’s a whole a lot of fellowship,” she said.