Good morning, Auburn.

In April, Auburn and Opelika leaders were honored with awards—Auburn City Schools named its Teachers of the Year and Art Educator of the Year, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Southern Union Foundation, and additional honors went to a robotics firm, a music educator in the 40 Under 40, and the city being named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live.

Today, hundreds of visitors attend Auburn CityFest at Kiesel Park—enjoying food, live music and circus-themed fun.

The 25th annual festival is the city's largest free outdoor event and shows strong community support.

The Auburn Public Library will host a free Star Wars Imperial Gala on May 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 749 E Thach Ave; the event will feature themed crafts, games and a costume contest — all fans are invited to enjoy free food and fun prizes.

A columnist in Auburn writes about how SEC traditions shape campus life and notes that a racial slur seen outside a dorm shows problems with old Southern ideas (this incident happened a few months ago).

The piece also looks at online rumors about a student’s scandal (linked to her boyfriend’s father) to show that bias still affects students.

In Conversation with Mary Dansak

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers — Free entry — Experience an evening of literary insights from local author and naturalist Mary Dansak.

Auburn Tigers vs. NC State Wolfpack

10:30 p.m. — Jane B. Moore Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting clash between the Auburn Tigers and NC State Wolfpack while supporting a meaningful cause.

Turf Wars Auburn

1-5 p.m. — Wire Road Soccer Complex — Free entry — Experience an exciting sports event during Memorial Day weekend in Auburn with Turf Wars.

On-Site Tour of Auburn Assisted Living

9 AM – 7 PM — Auburn Assisted Living — Free entry — Explore the best senior living community with exceptional care, dining, and activities.