As 2016 quickly approaches, we are getting in gear to make the most of our upcoming Tricentennial. The celebration of 300 years could have a lasting impact for our city. 2016 offers Natchez the opportunity to inspire and renew residents’ pride in their city, and cultivate international recognition of Natchez as a world-class destination.

The commemorative Tricentennial license tag is one special item that allows everyone in Mississippi to support Natchez and its importance in the history of our state. It’s quite a coincidence that we must pre-sell 300 license tags commemorating Natchez’s 300-year history by October in order for the 3C tag to come to become a reality.

When I was asked to design the license tag, I wanted to create something that would resonate with everyone. The river is always the first thing that comes to mind whenever anyone talks about Natchez. The paddle wheeler is synonymous with the Mississippi River, both past and present.

The colors I chose are drawn from the sunsets that so many residents and tourists enjoy every afternoon. If you haven’t been along the bluff top around sunset on any given day, you wouldn’t believe how many people line the fence to watch that fiery ball descend over Louisiana.

A bridge makes a powerful statement. In a grand arch of concrete and steel, it offers both a physical passing over and a symbolic gateway.

The reflective bridge in my design symbolizes a connection that Natchez has with everyone who crosses its path. It exemplifies the bridging of the centuries, Natchez past and present.

We need to embrace our 300-year history and come together as a community to establish a bright and promising future for Natchez.

On August 3rd, 2015, the Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a 299th birthday party to get everyone in a Tricentennial state of mind. The event will be at the visitor center from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public. There will be giveaways and raffles for tickets to your favorite 2016 festivals and events.

This event will also serve as your opportunity to order your 300-year commemorative tag. When we reach our goal of 300 license plates sold, everyone who purchased a tag will be entered into a drawing for a $300.00 gas card. The cost per tag is $31.00. Please help us surpass our 300 tag goal by purchasing a 2016 Natchez Tricentennial tag. For more information, contact the Tricentennial office at (601) 446-6345 or visit natchezms300.com.

Certainly, we want tourists to come to Natchez for the year long Tricentennial revelry, but in 2016, we want every Natchezian to make a deeper connection with the city we call home.

This party is for you.

You make Natchez what it is today.

Don’t let the 300th anniversary of our special city pass by without leaving your mark on it.

 

Amanda Hargrove, Administrative Assistant for Visit Natchez/Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau