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The city of Selma held its first Fourth of July celebration in years.

A parade, ribbon cutting of the riverfront splash pad, concert and fireworks were part of the Queen City’s Independence Day events.

The event began with a Stars and Stripes honor parade for the First Responders in Selma and Dallas County.

Members of the Selma City Council, Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford, Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum marched from Green Street to the Riverfront Park.

Dallas County EMA Director Toya Stiles, Selma Police Department, Dallas County  Sheriff Office, Selma-Dallas County Rescue Squad, Rural Health Medical Program Inc., Selma Health Rehab, Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department also participated in the parade sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Selma City Councilman Michael Johnson did a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Riverfront splash pad with several kids participating.

Perkins credited the previous mayors, George Evans and Darrio Melton, for jump starting the project.

Children ages 3-10 participated in the pad in small groups at 10-minute intervals.

The Fourth of July program concluded with the Red White & Boom Fireworks Display that lasted over an hour.

Tisdale BBQ, Coffee Shop, Savory Edge and Rojo Seafood were among the local food businesses that participated in the Food Village.

The Art village organized by Arts Revive showcased a children’s pop up paint party, body art and pieces by professional and student artists.

Rural Health and Cahaba Health participated in the Health Village.

MK87 Restaurant, Arts Revive, The Coffee Shoppe, Army National Guard, Planning and Development Department, Selma Americorps, and Rural Health Medical Program, Inc. were the event’s community sponsors.

The band Souled Out performed.

Several out of town residents said they enjoyed the event.

Mike Lopez, a Portland, Oregon resident, said he and his family liked the event.

“This is our first time visiting Selma and the state of Alabama,” Mike Lopez said. “Alabama is a beautiful state.”

Marion resident Cedric Stabler said he was glad to see Selma put together a Fourth of July event.

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn attended the event.