With the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee less than a week away, organizers are putting their final stamp of approval on the set event schedules and guest appearances.

And with more than 40 events planned through the five-day event beginning March 1, organizers also promise a host of free events for the public to enjoy.

Event founder and coordinator Rose Sanders said she’s excited about the upcoming event.

“It’s going to be awesome, we just hope we can be ready,” Sanders said. “We’re expecting 25,000 to 50,000 people.”

From the Rev. Al Sharpton, who will air a portion of the Selma-to-Montgomery march reenactment Monday live on his show, to foot soldiers and members of Congress set to appear, Sanders said this year’s event offers something for everyone.

“This year, Jubilee is not just a commemoration, but a commitment to fight against these horrible laws,” Sanders said. “We’re going to have Hispanics here, more than we’ve ever had in Selma, to talk about the immigration law.”

Special guests also include NAACP president and CEO Ben Jealous, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Southern Christian Leadership Conference co-founder and president Joseph Lowery and wife Evelyn, Latino leaders, black college presidents and mayors among others.

A special fundraiser will be held Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m. inside the Velvet Room, formerly the 12th Stone Club. Blues singer Lenny Williams, comedian Roy Wood Jr. of Birmingham and spoken word enthusiast LadyBoss will headline the event. Admission is $25 and proceeds will help the McRae-Gaines Learning Center and the National Voting Rights Museum.

“It’s a special fundraiser for the museum and Jubilee … special prizes and treats will be given,” Sanders said. “Without the community, we couldn’t do this … we need volunteers.”

With a parade, book talk, youth summit and workshops scheduled for all day Saturday, March 3, Sanders invites the public to attend.

“LadyBoss will hold a (free) seminar for young girls and women at S.O.D. on Saturday, there will be a parade at 9 a.m. and a free breakfast with foot soldiers at CHAT Academy at 7:30 a.m.,” Sanders said. “During the Freedom Flame Awards on Saturday, we’ll honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s personal attorney and the mayor of Memphis (A.C. Wharton Jr.) and his wife … we want people to come.”

The flame awards will take place inside the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center. The cost is $50 to attend.

A free reception will also be held Sunday, March 4 at 4:30 p.m., in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“It’s open to the public and it’s a time to say ‘thank you’ for coming to Selma — he’s been coming since the 1960s,” Sanders said.

For more information about events or to volunteer, visit selmajubilee.com or call 526-4000.