By LINDSEY SHELTON

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Josh Callaway III has worn many uniforms in his life — football, basketball, tennis, track — but the latest one he is donning during this year’s Historic Natchez Tableaux evokes a different kind of feeling.

Callaway is reigning over Spring Pilgrimage as the Pilgrimage Garden Club’s king and says the uniform he wears, that of former king Leo Joseph, makes him feel connected to the Natchez of yesteryear.

“When you put it on, it’s a different kind of feeling; it’s hard to describe, but it makes you have pride about where you’re from and makes you feel connected to what happened,” he said.

Callaway’s sword, which belongs to his grandfather Vic Vegas, is a Confederate States of America sword, which he said adds to the experience of being king.

Callaway said he was thrilled to be named king this year.

“I really didn’t know how to react,” he said. “I was thrilled and so happy and honored to be chosen.”

Reigning as king is particularly special for Callaway this year because lifelong friend Lara Biglane is reigning as queen.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I’ve known Lara forever, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being her king and being on court with her.”

Callaway’s previous pageant participation includes Little Maypole, Big Maypole, wheel roller in the Showboat tableau, the Picnic, Polka and the Soiree.

Callaway is a 2012 graduate of Cathedral High School, where he played football, basketball, tennis and ran track.

That busy schedule made sticking with Tableaux since he was young a bit complicated, but Callaway said he always found time because he enjoyed it.

“You have a lot of fun doing it, and you meet a lot of new people,” he said.

Callaway’s mother, Donna, said her son’s reign has been the perfect ending to his time in Tableaux.

“He’s done this his whole life, and it’s just a culmination of everything he has done throughout the years,” she said.

Callaway is currently a sophomore at Louisiana State University where he is majoring in petroleum engineering.

Callaway said he hopes to work for an oil company as a drilling engineer and travel after college.

Tableaux is an important part of Natchez, Callaway said, because it ensures the city’s story is told through different generations.

“Keeping the history alive is important,” he said. “And reminding people about the past … and keeping people interested in the town and coming back.”

Callaway is the son of Bryan and Donna Callaway and is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Josh Callaway of Natchez and Mr. and Mrs. Vic Vegas of Ferriday.

He is an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, and a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity at LSU.