A Dallas County tradition is back at Lion’s Fair Park –– the Central Alabama Fair. The fairgrounds opened Monday afternoon, and there were hundreds of people there smiling, laughing, riding rides and enjoying food like cozy dawgs.

It is always great to see the fair back in town and all of the joy it brings people whether young or old. The fair is put on each year by the Selma Lions Club and is in its 61st year. That is a long time, and we hope it stays even longer. It is always a joy to cover the fair and see people having such a grand time with their children or catching up with old friends they knew from their school days.

But isn’t just about the fun. The fair is also about a great cause. The fair is also a fundraiser for the Selma Lions Club’s mission to help people with visual impairments. That money goes to pay for eye examinations and glasses, as well as to help other organizations in Selma and Dallas County, such as the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Boys and girls Ranches, the Dallas County Rescue Squad, etc.

The fair also collects food and other nonperishable items for the local food banks.

The fair will be open each night this week, so there are plenty of chances to have some fun.