Selma is ready to see what talents the city’s young people have to offer.

The city of Selma is introducing its first annual “Selma’s Got Talent.” Auditions will be held at Selma High School this Saturday at noon.

Event planners are preparing to honor the 50th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Selma and felt a talent show would be a good event to go along with those historical celebrations.

“We were trying to figure what we can do to cater to our youth and get them excited about things that are going to take place next year,” said Saprina Simmons, assistant to Selma Mayor George Evans.

“I know they do things at their schools and with their churches, but it’s not showcased to the community. This is just a way to really get the youth involved in the community and really showcase their talent.”

The audition is open to those between the ages of 6-18. Participants must be present to be considered. No videos will be accepted.

Each applicant must bring his or her own music props to use during the audition. Those with current or pending performance contracts are not eligible to compete.

Talent of any kind is welcome, such as singing, dancing or playing an instrument.

Audition judges will be Beth Spivey, director of The Old Depot Museum; Lola Sewell, a staff member with Selma High; Terrence Williams, a senior at Selma High; and Joe Brown, the bishop at New Hope Apostolic Church.

They will select 30 contestants to compete at the Selma Youth Explosion Concert on Feb. 27. The event is part of the city’s two-day Sounds of Celebration musical, which concludes Feb. 28 with a community concert.

Winners of the Youth Explosion will receive trophies and cash prizes.

“This celebration is a momentous occasion for our city, and we wanted to place significant attention on the future of our community,” Selma Mayor George Evans said. “As we look back on how far we have come, we also can feel a great sense of pride on where our city is headed led be a great group of rising leaders.”

Audition applications are available at the mayor’s office, in the local offices or by emailing mayorassistant@selma-al.gov.

The free applications must be returned to the Evans’ office at 222 Broad Street in Selma by Nov. 14.

For more information, call 349-6703.