NATCHEZ — Unpack your smile and friendly handshake, company’s coming.

Fall Pilgrimage begins Saturday with scheduled tours of Texada, Greenlea, Gov. Holmes House, Auburn, The Burn, Wigwam and The Gardens.

Pilgrimage will continue until Oct. 10.

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours Director Marsha Colson said she’s predicting a 25-percent increase in group tours this year, due largely to the economy.

When the economy is bad, small towns with nice attractions benefit, she said. Residents within a 150-mile radius are looking for affordable day trips, not expensive week-long vacations.

And Natchez fits that bill perfectly, Colson said.

So far, the number of group tours expected is 23 — compared to 20 last year. But the groups coming are all significantly larger, Colson said.

Add in the day-trips by individual tourists, and the year could be good, she said.

“During Spring Pilgrimage we saw a significant increase in individual tours,” Colson said. “That’s due to the economy, and I think that trend has continued.”

The greatest majority of Pilgrimage business comes from three states, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, Colson said. And NPT has been marketing the fall tours to all of those states.

Twenty local houses will be on the regular morning and afternoon touring schedules this year. In addition, eight other properties are open daily for tours.

Nightly entertainment will again include Amos Polk’s Voices of Hope Spiritual Singers at the Carriage House Restaurant on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $31.

Natchez Little Theatre is debuting a new production, “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” which was adapted for the stage by Natchez native Chandler Warren. The play starts at 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $15.

But, perhaps more important than the shows and house tours, Colson said, is the people.

“One thing (tourists) are really looking for is a warm and friendly small town welcome,” she said. “We are really great at that. I would just hope anyone on the street, behind the counter at a store, restaurant or bar, will welcome and be friendly and helpful to people.”

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