On behalf of the Christmas Lights Committee, I want to thank the many groups and individuals that participated in the parade downtown this past Saturday night.

Also, a special thank you to Mayor Brown and Natchezian award recipient Sarah Smith for braving the cold weather and “going on with the show!”

And for those families that came to watch the event and stood in the cold — God bless you as well. The winners that were awarded bragging rights are: First Assembly of God for Best Religious theme, Krewe of Phoenix Royalty for Best Float, ACCS (who had three floats) for The Most Spirited Award and Riverfront Royale for The People’s Choice Award.

This weekend there are even more events that are planned in the area, so check to see what is in store for you at visitnatchez.org or christmasinnatchez.com.

Remember that there will be ice skating on the bluff from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Jefferson and Canal streets.

You can purchase tickets at the site for $20 a person for an hour of skating or get a family rate for $40. To be sure to get the time slot you want, tickets are also available before hand at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, 601- 446-6631, or you can visit natchezpilgrimage.com.

If you want to purchase tickets to help out other children and families so they can have fun too, your donations are appreciated.

It takes the whole community to make this event successful, and any financial support you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Also, Alcorn State University will have a petting zoo on Saturday, and from Kid’s Party Palace there will be a huge slide and jumper, and from a RHGC Children’s Entertainment, there will be a reverse bungee jumper.

A middle school cheering competition will at held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, so come support your school squad. Family weekend this year will be one you won’t want to miss.

Again, thanks to the many individuals, groups and companies that make our Christmas holidays in Natchez a success.

The great decorations, our numerous activities, the friends that market the events and the generous financial support all set the stage for the mission of Christmas in Natchez to grow and sustain the joy of the holiday season.

 

Debbie Hudson is president and CEO of Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.