Today is the day we’ve all been waiting on — the start of the annual bridge crossing jubilee ceremonies. We’d like to be the first to welcome visitors from out of town, who have come to town to see our historic city in one of the busiest times in its history. Selma has already been on the big screen this year, but now it’s ready to join the world in saluting those who made it their life’s purpose to achieve voting rights equality for all 50 years ago.

It’s going to be a frantic weekend, with events taking place all over Selma. Obviously the highlights of the schedule will be Saturday’s speeches by President Barack Obama and former president George W. Bush, along with Sunday’s annual bridge crossing jubilee, but there’s a plethora of other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Thursday includes a welcome from Mayor George Evans at the Performing Arts Center at 5 p.m. followed by a play on the life of Jimmie Lee Jackson. The Miss Jubilee Pageant will also take place Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the School of Discovery on Water Avenue.

Friday’s events kick off bright and early with the Jubilee Golf Tournament at 6:30 a.m. at Valley Grande Golf Course. Other events Friday include a mock trial at the Concordia College Alabama auditorium and a “Stomp Out to Vote” step show at 7 p.m. at Pickard Auditorium. Saturday includes the Jubilee Parade from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the Battle of the Bands at 10:45 a.m. at the School of Discovery parking lot. Obama is scheduled to speak on the bridge around lunch time, but the day doesn’t end when the president finishes his speech. The Freedom Flame Awards Gala will start at 7 p.m. Saturday at Wallace Community College Selma and the Old School Blues Show & Dance is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.

The bridge crossing is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. Sunday as part of a busy day. BET will host a concert Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the foot of the bridge.

These are only a handful of the events that will take place in Selma over the next few days. For the complete schedule, visit www.selmajubilee.com and www.selma50iwasthere.com.