Welcome to Riverfront Market Day.

It’s the second Saturday in October, and for more than three decades vendors, buyers and musicians have taken up residence on Water Avenue to draw attention to downtown Selma, its history and the artists who live here.

Riverfront Market day began to help revitalize and preserve Water Avenue. The organizers of the event wanted to draw people to the thoroughfare that runs parallel to the Alabama River to show off its right historical significance.

Through Saturday, hundreds of people will stroll the avenue, pick over wares for sale, and soak in that rich history.

But there’s more.

In the evening today and Saturday, some of the best storytellers in the nation will gather at Pickard Auditorium to share old folk tales, newly garnered yards and fables in the annual Tale-Tellin’.

Selma’s own Kathryn Tucker Windam will weave her magic as she has done for many years. The award-winning storyteller will be joined this weekend by Dolores Hydock of Birmingham and Donald Davis, who draws on his experience from growing up in the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains and in a family of storytellers.

If you are a resident here, tap in with friends and relatives and enjoy the fellowship.

If you are a visitor here this weekend, we hope you enjoy your stay.

And, welcome to Riverfront Market Day.