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By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Selma Times-Journal

SELMA – The fun of the Halloween season was tempered with an anti-bullying message at the third annual Candy Walk held Saturday, Oct. 4 at Selma’s Foot Soldiers Park.

This year’s theme, “Bridge the Blue Treat Trail,” highlighted Anti-Bullying Awareness Month through a community-wide “Blue Out” in which event organizers encouraged all attendees, vendors and participants to wear blue in solidarity against bullying, creating a visual show of unity and compassion.

“The Candy Walk aligns with the mission of Foot Soldiers Park—to honor the past, advance the present, and build the future,” said Kennedy Smitherman, event manager for Foot Soldiers Park, which is a physical park, an education center and a nonprofit organization. “By hosting this event at Foot Soldiers Park, we honor the legacy of Selma’s Foot Soldiers who stood for justice and equality. By creating a safe, inclusive and joyful community space today, we advance the well-being of families and children while supporting Black-owned businesses. By inspiring youth through anti-bullying pledges, education and creative engagement, we build a future rooted in empathy, leadership and community solidarity.”

Smitherman estimated that about 75 people attended his year’s Candy Walk. The event offered an inclusive Halloween-style celebration for people who might not otherwise participate in traditional Halloween activities. The event also spotlighted and supported local Black-owned businesses, civic leaders and community resources, Smitherman said.

Prizes were given away for the best themed station and for best dressed. Other activities included a kid zone and free food.

Kids in attendance were also given a pledge card, which they recited out loud.

The cards read, “I promise to speak up if I see bullying, be kind to everyone, even when it’s hard; include others who are left out, tell a trusted adult if someone is hurt or scared, never bully with my words, actions or online posts. I promise to use my words and actions to build people up, not tear them down.”

“We would also like to thank everyone who donated candy to this special cause. It was greatly appreciated,” Smitherman said.