Selma’s first annual Oktober on the Avenue Halloween street festival had vendors and local artists lined up down Water Avenue on Saturday.

“I think it’s important that it’s our first annual Oktober fest here on the avenue,” Selma’s mayor Darrio Melton said. “It’s a great day, and we’re looking forward to the evening for it being an even grander event.”

The festival put on by Main Street Selma, with help from the city, ArtsRevive and local business,  had local artists, food vendors and activities that everyone could enjoy.

There was a car show, a scarecrow contest and work from local artists on display.

Despite the cool 50-degree weather and overcast skies, festival goers enjoyed walking the street and seeing what Selma has to offer.

ArtsRevive executive director Martha Lockett said that several people came to Gallery 905 to watch art demonstrations too.

“We were pleased at the number of people who showed up,” Lockett said. “Other folks just wandered down that way and seemed to be having a good time. I hope it was successful all over.”

Some festival goers  braved the cold weather in their Halloween costumes.

Local Selma business showed off their products and provided samples to interested patrons.

The Selma Wood Company, The Feathered Letter and Mark’s Mart were a few of the business along Water Ave. Kim Peake and her pimento cheese dip was also available.

“Anytime you can give businesses in the community, local crafts people or local shops a chance to show what they have and what they can do, then it broadens their sales base,” Lockett said. “Anytime we can do that to support local business, that’s good for everybody.”

Ashley Johnson brought her daughter Jamiya Johnson down to enjoy all of the local art work.

“I saw that they have a lot of art activities, and my daughter loves art,” Ashley said. “We like it and she’s actually enjoying it.”

Not only did Jamiya get to make her own leaf print art, but she and her mother also got a free caricature drawing together to remember the day. Ashley said they are already looking forward to next year’s Oktober on the Avenue and checking out the talented people of Selma.

“We are grateful for all the people who came out to participate to share their creativity with the city, and we look forward to displaying this talent throughout our city,” Melton said.

After the street festival, ArtsRevive kept the Halloween spirit going with another night of storytelling at the Kathryn Tucker Windham Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival at the Carneal Building on Church Street.