One of the greatest joys of serving as Mayor of Natchez is seeing our city come alive with people celebrating everything that makes our hometown so special. And I can’t think of a more beautiful time to be in Natchez than Fall! The change in the season bringschanging seasons bring cooler breezes, beautiful blue skies, breathtaking sunsets over the Mississippi River, and a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary place we call home. And this weekend, the beauty of Natchez will be on full display!
We welcome thousands of visitors to the 41st Annual Natchez Balloon Festival, one of our city’s most beloved traditions. The sight of colorful hot air balloons rising above our historic city and mighty Mississippi River is simply spectacular. With great music, delicious food, amusement rides for children and families, not to mention the wonderful fellowship our city is known for, this festival reminds us why Natchez is such a special destination.
This weekend is especially exciting because Natchez High School celebrates Homecoming! Thousands of alumni are making their way home, reconnecting with classmates, celebrating cherished memories, and rediscovering the beauty of their hometown. To all of our returning Bulldogs, welcome home! Natchez is proud of you, and we’re delighted to have you back!
We’re also celebrating the final weekend of Fall Pilgrimage, offering visitors opportunities to experience the magnificent architecture, fascinating stories, and gracious hospitality of our historic homes. Among this weekend’s special offerings are tours of beautiful Auburn at Duncan Park, one of America’s architectural treasures.
And there’s so much more! Our downtown shops, outstanding restaurants, historic attractions, carriage rides, walking tours, museums, and unique visitor experiences offer something for everyone. Whether you’re discovering Natchez for the first time or returning for the umpteenth, there’s always something wonderful waiting to be experienced or discovered.
And we’re just getting started! As autumn unfolds, our calendar continues overflowing with activities. Our Parks and Recreation Department will host its popular Trunk ’r Treat on October 30th on the Natchez Bluff, bringing families together for safe Halloween fun. More Live at Five concerts will fill our community with music, while, in November, Angels on the Bluff returns with its unforgettable celebration of Natchez history in our beautiful City Cemetery.
Before we know it, Thanksgiving will arrive, followed by the most wonderful time of year: Christmas in Natchez. Make your plans now to enjoy our city’s treasured traditions, including the Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Saturday, November 28, including a day full of activities for our families and children, followed by our festive Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5 – always a fun time for all! This year, Living History’s Christmas Home Tours, will provide an added attraction with the splendor of our historic homes on full display.
Few communities anywhere can match the variety of festivals, celebrations, cultural experiences, and special events that our city offers throughout the year. Without a doubt, we offer more events than any city our size, and our growing tourism numbers confirm that Natchez continues to be a top tourism destination in our region. To see what’s happening in Natchez or to submit your own event for inclusion on the calendar, go to VisitNatchez.org/events. Event submissions are available at VisitNatchez.org/events/submitevent.
It is important to remember, however, that what makes Natchez special goes far beyond just the offerings on our events calendar. It’s the timeless beauty of our historic homes, the majesty of our river views, the unmatched splendor of our sunsets, and most importantly, the warmth and genuine hospitality of our people.
Our visitors may come for balloons, history, shopping, dining, or music. But they leave with memories, new friendships, and a longing to return.
So, this weekend, I encourage everyone to get out, enjoy our community, welcome our guests, support our local businesses, and celebrate everything that makes Natchez extraordinary.
Our beauty is timeless. Our hospitality is legendary. And our future is brighter than ever. Together, let’s keep building our Natchez Renewal and sharing our remarkable story with the world. Because Natchez Deserves More.
P.S. Congratulations to Natchez High School for being named one of just 40 national finalists in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition – out of almost 3,000 submissions! Our Bulldogs have already earned $25,000, but a $1 MILLION football field upgrade is on the line! We need everyone in Natchez, every alumnus, every friend, and every supporter to vote EVERY DAY through October 25 to help our Bulldogs advance to the final round. Your vote could make a million-dollar difference for our students and our community! VOTE HERE: https://fn5gl.t-mobile.com/vote/natchez-high-school
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