Our World, Highway 80 Sale

It was wet, and it was muddy.

But vendors came in trucks and trailers and vans 

and put their wares on tables and under tents.

This was part of the scene at the Angie's Auction site of the U.S. Highway 80

 World's Widest Yard Sale last weekend. It was the only site I visited,

 because I found so many bargains in such a short time,

 I had to leave before I took home MORE STUFF! 

Linking to Our World Tuesday

and City Daily Photo Blogs

Our World, Colors of Spring

Selma welcomed Spring with its 40th annual Pilgrimage, and on Friday night,

 these lovely young ladies greeted guests on the front porch

 of the Evening House Tour and Reception. 

To see more Pilgrimage photos, visit Selma's Historic Pilgrimage Facebook page.

Linking to City Daily Photo Blogs

and Our World Tuesday

The Next Big Thing...Pilgrimage!

The next big thing in Our World is the 40th Historic Selma Pilgrimage this weekend!

This file photo shows a tour of the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum,

 which is Pilgrimage Headquarters where visitors can purchase tickets,

 have refreshments and tour the building. 

The 2015 tour features homes, churches and museums that chronicle

 our Civil War to Civil Rights history. After all, this is the 50th anniversary

 of the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches and the 150th anniversary

 of the Battle of Selma. Visit the Selma Pilgrimage website for more information!

 

Linking to Our World Tuesday

and City Daily Photo Blogs 

J is for JUMP

The Dixie Flips gymnastics team JUMPED upon the balance beam 

as part of their routine at last weekend's Alabama River Chili Cookoff.

 The Water Avenue event featured all the chili you could eat

 plus plenty of local entertainment. 

Linking to ABC Wednesday where the Letter of the Week is "J"

and City Daily Photo Blogs

Singing the Blues

"Singing the Blues,"  an acrylic painting by Sarita Gish, caught my eye

 at the Alabama Artists' Roots and Wings Art Exhibition Saturday evening.

 The show and sale continues every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through March. 

Linking to Blue Monday Meme and City Daily Photo Blogs

Gillman Hall

GILLMAN HALL (circa 1860) is among several lovely Selma homes

 that will be featured on the Historic Selma Pilgrimage  this spring.

 The GREEK Revival Italianate was constructed with solid brick

 and finished with stucco, and the front porch posts were fashioned

 from iron at the second owner's company, Selma Ironworks.

 Pilgrimage is March 14-15.  

Linking to ABC Wednesday where the Letter of the Week is G

and City Daily Photo Blogs

Christmas at the Chamber

The Christmas spirit is catching on all over town, and here's a peek at the tree inside the Centre for Commerce lobby. Both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority are located here in a beautiful building that once was the Carnegie Library.

Holiday events this week included a tree lighting ceremony at City Hall, and today the Christmas parade begins at 9 a.m. downtown. Dress warm! It's cold and damp!

On Sunday, First Presbyterian Church hosts "Handel's Messiah," performed by a community choir at 3 p.m. I also hear that Santa might be cruising the Alabama River!

There's more! Plan to shop at Holiday Festival for the next two weeks. This annual event offers regional Christmas crafts and homemade goodies beginning Monday at 10 a.m. in the Performing Arts Centre.

Thanks to Christine Weerts for providing today's photograph.

Crossing the Creek at Kenan's Mill

You don't have to cross Valley Creek on the swinging bridge at Kenan's Mill, but it sure gives you a challenge!

The mill and grounds are open today from 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. for the annual fall festival that features fresh-ground cornmeal and grits, bluegrass music, cornbread and chili cookoffs, pottery making, arts and crafts, wagon rides, inflatable games for children, tours of the mill house and much more. The music begins at 11 a.m. at the bandstand.

Oh yes, you can reach the mill by vehicle or by walking across the old iron bridge. The new red barn also offers handicap-accessible restrooms. So, come on!

Tepee at the Pumpkin Patch

We're back at St. Paul's Episcopal Pumpkin Patch for a view of the tepee. Notice the wooden cross in its center, and in the left background, there's the butterfly sculpture. The sculptures were unveiled a year ago, and many are still gracing Selma's corners and courtyards.

Riverfront Ramblers

Music adds to the atmosphere of Riverfront Market Day, and the Riverfront Ramblers were there on Saturday to play for the crowd.

Last weekend not only featured Market Day but the Alabama Tale-Tellin' Festival and final day of the Central Alabama Fair.

This next weekend offers Haunted History Tours with trips into the ghost town of Cahawba, through historic Old Town for curbside ghost tours and into Old Live Oak Cemetery to visit with Selma's most famous citizens.

Photo by Jacque Johnson

Market Day Art

Paintings featuring everything from Selma scenes to aquatic creatures drew attention at Saturday's annual Riverfront Market Day festival. The festival is held every year on the second Saturday of October along Water Avenue.

Photograph by Jacque Johnson

Jesus Day

The first Sunday in May is known as "Jesus Day" in Selma. It's when local Christians of all denominations literally meet in the street for an evening service.

Folks bring lawn chairs and enjoy the shade along Lauderdale Street. They listen to short sermons, watch drama presentations and hear soloists, praise bands and choirs. Oh, and there's also plenty of food!

To view a photo of the 2008 event, click HERE. View more photos of this event at Selma NOW.

The Potter's Wheel

A young girl stood fascinated Friday evening as Allen Hamm worked his magic making pottery at the quarterly Art Walk downtown.

Hamm set up his pottery wheel in the front window of The Frame Shoppe where everyone could see, both from inside and outside.

This venue featured handmade pottery, ceramics, jewelry and photography.

Wake Up, Wake Up!

Wake up, wake up! It's Monday and time to put on the strength of the Lord's power to prepare for a new week. A little coffee made in retro pots won't hurt either! This creatively designed table was among my favorites at the Elkdale Baptist Ladies' Banquet Saturday night.

Night Before Pilgrimage (Skywatch Friday)

It's Skywatch Friday, and on the night before Pilgrimage, all was quiet at Sturdivant Hall where the sun set with a slight orange glow. The gates were locked but by 9 a.m., they will be wide open to welcome guests to the 34th annual Historic Selma Pilgrimage.

Come on down! It's a three-day event!

Check out the other Skywatch photos at www.skyley.blogspot.com.