For years now I have asked each mayor of the City of Natchez, “When are we going to see an arena?”

I would like to take the opportunity to explain to the City of Natchez the economic benefits of having an arena.

We only can look at Shreveport-Bossier City, La. The Century Tel Centre has been the beacon for entertainment and tourism for northwestern part of Louisiana. Ever since the people voted to allow this magnificent facility to be built, it has brought in more dollars to the area than any casino or antebellum house has for the past 100 years.

It alone has made it possible for more mom and pop’s to open and provides, for all ages in the surrounding community, the chance of a lifetime to see beloved musical artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Nickleback, George Straight, Garth Brooks, WWE, the PBR-Pro Bull Riding Association, Monster Trucks and the list of events and performers goes on.

This is what the City of Natchez in missing out on.

Where do most tax dollars go when the previous mentioned acts come to Jackson, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Monroe, Lafayette and Lake Charles?

All we have is a handicapped convention center and a municipal auditorium, which was not built for mass events, and it is out of date for today’s performances.

We keep having these small concerts on the other side of the river in Vidalia, and we are not having any here on this side. Fun and having fun has basically dried up in the City of Natchez.

Also, in the summer most families go to Blue Bayou in Baton Rouge to have fun while getting wet. We have no wet/dry theme park.

We need one just like Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa. It will also give the city and the Adams County an economic boost in the summer.

High school students could get employment there as well as college students for extra money so they don’t have to be begging mom and dad for any.

The pre-Civil War antebellum homes give Natchez its own flavor, and I would like to add to the flavor some spice.

We must get an arena and a wet/dry theme park or we will get passed by in time and never catch up. We will end up like a dried up Texas town with three police officers.

Along with this, industry is sorely needed. In order to have it you must have arenas or theme parks in order for outside people to bring in their employees.

They need to be entertained too. “If you build it they will come,” and millions will come; you will have to have more hotels and motels it will be so crazy. Then that would bring in more jobs too.

Mr. Mayor, please do not outlaw fun.

Kenneth L. Cobb Jr.

Crosby resident