There seemed to be more people at the Selma Mall this Saturday than there had been all year. The parking lot was filled with cars and hundreds of people wandered the length of the mall visiting booths, filling their bags with free samples, and having their blood pressure checked.

Organizers of the first Black Belt Mega Health Fair and Fun Day say it was an overwhelming success, bringing people in from all over Dallas County to partake the day’s events.

“I have been swamped since this morning,” said Shawn Moore, who gave out free snacks of fruits and cheeses at the Steak Pit table. “We’ve been hot and busy since 10:01 a.m. this morning.”

The Mega Health Fair was presented by Dr. Bruce Taylor and his staff at Taylor Internal Medicine, in cooperation with the nonprofit National Corps. Inc.

Created to bring awareness about good health and the high rate of diabetes, the Mega Health Fair consisted of around 43 health care-related vendors, along with free medical screenings.

There were also numerous drawings for prizes and an entertainment stage with a heavy rotation of gospel singers.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” said Health Fair visitor Jimmy Vasser. “I’m getting my snacks and souvenirs, Now, I’m about to have my blood pressure checked.”

The vendors also seemed impressed with the large turnout at the event, which could easily have been deemed the largest health fair Selma has ever had.

“God has done an awesome thing to let us be here,” said Emma Mack, who worked the Hospice South booth.

In the parking lot behind J.C. Penny’s, a long line of cars sat in the heat as Selma City firemen and certified car seat inspectors checked car seats to ensure they were properly installed or had not been recalled.

“We’ve had a steady stream of cars,” said fireman Daniel Stevenson. “If a car seat has been recalled, then we replace them for free.”

The Health Fair finally ended around 3 p.m. Saturday. Taylor said he hopes to continue having similar events throughout the year.