Each day at the Times-Journal our newsroom compiles flyers and announcements by the dozen for the community calendar section of the newspaper, found on Page 3. These announcement range from upcoming city council meetings tto announcements about homecomings and anniversaries for just about every church in town.

But this week typing in those announcements has been especially interesting, as it seems one of the busiest weekends in Selma are ahead of us. The social calendar for the spring begins this weekend with the Bridge Crossing Jubilee. There are plenty of events to keep families occupied from Thursday through Monday. After Jubilee the city will host Pilgrimage and then the Battle of Selma weekend.

All three of these events have something special in common. Each one of these events will bring in hundreds of tourists and tourism dollars so we must prepare our front yards and city streets to welcome our guests. Also these spring events celebrate our history and culture in the city in different ways but all are just as cherished and important. The fact that these events appear on our calendar in the spring represents how these celebrations are about a new life and a new beginning — a new city.

All three of these events represent who Selma is, as the city’s history as well as the spirit of the people who inhabit the Queen City. Jubilee celebrates our gumption to step out and go against the grain to make a difference that would better other people, the Battle of Selma celebrates our bravery to come together while under attack and the pilgrimage shows our love for making beautiful things — like homes and families.

Our newsroom will be out and about at each of these weekends throughout the springtime and we hope your family will be there too. Come and help us celebrate Selma in its many different forms and meanings.