Sure, azaleas pack a powerful spring punch, but let’s be honest, nothing beats fall fun in the Miss-Lou.

The best — my favorites anyway — of the annual local events are jam packed into three great fall months, and the only way to enjoy all the fun is start sleeping now.

You have a bit more than a week to rest up before the juggling act of great weekend events, football and your regular weekend activities will begin.

Once the fun starts, it’s January before it ends.

But before you hit the sack for pre-fall naptime, grab your calendar and make sure all the best Miss-Lou events are recorded.

Bark in the Park — Sept. 15

The fun kicks off on Sept. 15, with the annual fundraiser for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

Dogs, from big to small, will bring their owners, from big to small, to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians for a morning of treats, tricks and prizes.

Your affordable admission fee will go to benefit the pups — and cats — that don’t get to go home with anyone after the event.

Many dogs come to compete in categories like “best costume,” “most beautiful” and “best trick,” but others simply come for a bit of sniffing. Either option is perfectly acceptable at this event.

Fall Pilgrimage —

Sept. 27-Oct. 14

Fifteen antebellum houses, most privately owned, will open their doors for annual tours.

Unlike its spring companion, Fall Pilgrimage is shorter and more compact, so locals don’t get quite so burnt out on the fun.

Jim Bowie Festival — Sept. 28-30

This festival has a bit of something for everyone.

From barbecue to beauties, the fun kicks off on Friday, Sept. 28 with the Little Mr. and Miss Bowie Pageant.

The festival grounds start rocking Saturday with a state championship barbecue cook-off.

A historic re-enactment of the Bowie knife duel and plenty to explore on the festival grounds will wrap out the weekend.

Phatwater Kayak Race — Oct. 13

Though the spectator portion of this annual event — which is the portion in which I would fall — is somewhat limited, the event is still a great one.

The idea that paddlers from around the world are racing down our country’s mightiest river to a Natchez Under-the-Hill finish line is just fun.

Time it right, and you’ll see the winners come in.

Great Mississippi River Balloon Race — Oct. 19-21

The granddaddy of all great Natchez events is always the third weekend in October.

Approximately 60 hot-air balloons will take to the skies, weather permitting, and great bands will entertain on the bluff.

Music and festival lovers should head to the fairgrounds at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday afternoon.

Balloon lovers, like me, should get to bed early and rise early to chase balloons as they float through the area.

Angels on the Bluff — Nov. 9-10

Lovers of history and a good story in a neat setting always love Angels on the Bluff. Local actors will portray characters buried in the cemetery — in a non-scary way — as spectators walk through in small tour groups.

Get your tickets at the visitors’ center now.

Fall is simply fun in Natchez and Vidalia; rest up so you can enjoy.

 

Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.