Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By NICHLOS CUTRELL | Special to the Selma Time- Journal

SELMA – The City of Selma is once again gearing up for one of the city’s most anticipated fall traditions, the annual Monster March, set for Thursday, Oct. 30.

The family-friendly event, which draws hundreds of participants each year, gives children a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween while connecting local businesses, city departments and the community.

This year’s Monster March will begin at 4 p.m., but families can start arriving as early as 3:30 at the Selma Public Library. They’ll check in with Becky Nichols, get their number for the costume contest and enjoy crafts and activities at the library before the march starts.

The parade route begins at the library, traveling up Broad Street toward City Hall, crossing over, then looping back down toward the Selma Times-Journal building before returning to City Hall where the celebration continues at the Monster Village.

Danielle Woodfin said the event is designed primarily for school-aged children, but families and community members of all ages are welcome to take part or cheer from the sidewalks.

“One thing we always like to emphasize is that all of our local businesses, those on Broad Street as well as those not located there, are welcome to participate,” Woodfin said. “If they’re not downtown, they can register online through a link on Facebook and will be assigned a spot along Broad Street. The more the merrier.”

After the parade concludes at City Hall, families can enjoy the Monster Village, where each city department will set up tables with treats and activities.

“There will be more candy, face painting, a DJ, a bouncy house, a train ride, lots of different games and activities for the kids,” Woodfin said. “It’s a fun way for families to spend time together and for children to celebrate Halloween safely.”

Registration for Monster March is simple. Report to the library before the march. Any child who wants to participate in the costume contest will check in there, get their number and line up to wait for the march to begin.

A lively DJ will keep the energy going throughout the event. Selma’s popular community mascots will also make appearances.

“Sparky, our fire department mascot, usually serves as the grad marshal,” Woodfin said. “And Lenny the Lion, the mascot for our Selma Program, will be there, too. They’re always crowd favorites.”

Woodfin said Monster March is one of Selma’s most meaningful community traditions because it brings people from all corners of the city together for a single purpose, giving children a safe, positive Halloween experience.

“It’s a time where the community, local businesses and city departments come together to provide a safe space for the children to trick-or-treat and get candy,” Woodfin said. “It’s really about community engagement and creating a fun environment for everyone.”