NATCHEZ — For 44 years, Betty Lou Eidt Hicks has provided volunteer services for the Cathedral Fall Festival, but only because she loves helping.

“The entire Miss-Lou community comes together to work on an event that has been going on for years,” Hicks said.

Hicks became involved with the Fall Festival in 1970. The festival will celebrate its 167th anniversary Saturday and Sunday.

As a child, Hicks would go to the festival while attending Cathedral.

“It’s probably one of the oldest continuing activities going on in Mississippi,” Hicks said.

Hicks said she did not consciously have the desire to one-day work with the festival, but motivation from her mother changed that.

“My mother was a working widow who could not help out with school activities,” Hicks said. “When I finished college, I jumped in with both feet and told my mother I was doing my part for her.”

Now at 67, Hicks said she would keep going.

“Not everybody feels that way in my generation,” Hicks said. “I just like to stay involved.”

Hicks has worked many aspects of the festival over the years.

“If there is a question, we are likely to call Betty,” said Fall Festival chairperson Shannon Probst. “I think she’s done everything there is to do at the festival. She’s very helpful and knowledgeable.”

Hicks has ordered prizes, cooked, supervised and was even a chairperson in past years.

“It’s not hard work, but it is time consuming,” Hicks said. “It’s one of those things I enjoy doing, and I have the opportunity to do it.”

As a parent of three graduates, and a grandparent of three grandchildren, Hicks hopes to do what she can so tuition won’t increase.

“The funds that we raise go to the bottom line of the school budget,” Hicks said. “The more that we raise, the less we have to raise tuition.”

Hicks said her goal is to continue to bring in new parents and volunteers.

“We are drawing in all the new blood and new energy,” Hicks said. “It was something passed down to my generation, and we want to continue that tradition.”

Hicks thinks that Cathedral is the best-kept secret in Natchez.

“Just seeing the fun that everyone has and the continuation of this school is second to none,” Hicks said.

Hicks informed organizers over the festival that she will continue to do what she can.

“She does so much for this school,” said Cathedral Elementary principal Shannon Bland. “We hope she sticks around for many years to come.”