What better way to celebrate 300 years than with a day full of free events for the community?

On Wednesday, Aug. 3, Natchez officially turns 300 years old, and you are invited to join in the festivities! Aug. 3 not only brings the opportunity to commemorate Natchez’s extensive history and heritage, but serves as a day to celebrate our community. All are welcomed and encouraged to join in the celebration, so I hope you will be a part of this historic day for our city! All events listed are free and open to the public.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony by Principal Chief/Great Sun of the Natchez Nation Hutke Fields, a presentation on the Natchez Indians by historian Jim Barnett and free activities for children accompanied by a guardian at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, 400 Jefferson Davis Blvd.

Activities will continue at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center at 1:30 p.m. with presentations on colonial Louisiana by authors and historians Emily Clark and Erin Greenwald. This event will also include a Fort Rosalie artifact display, book signings with Barnett, Clark and Greenwald serving as speakers. Free National Park Service Junior Ranger activities for children accompanied by a guardian will also be available.

At 4 p.m., the Natchez National Historical Park will dedicate Fort Rosalie, 528 South Canal St., the National Park Service’s third site in Natchez.

The 300th birthday celebration of Natchez will conclude with a street party at 6:00 p.m. on Broadway Street overlooking the Mississippi River.

The party will include art and food vendors, children’s activities, free cupcakes and ice cream, live music by the Lost Bayou Ramblers and Big Drew & the Bubbadelic, a giant cooling tent, fireworks and so much more!

Don’t miss out on Tricentennial commemorative posters, Coca-Cola bottles, T-shirts and other items that will be for sale. Everyone is welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets to the event.

There are a few spots still available for art and food vendors for the street party at 6 p.m. If you are interested in having a free booth, please visit natchezms300.com or go to the Natchez Mississippi’s 300th Birthday Celebration Facebook event page for an application.

Free shuttle services to the bluff from the Natchez Visitor Reception Center and downtown will be provided. Entrance locations to the birthday party will be available at the corners of Main and Broadway streets and Franklin and Broadway streets. No pets will be permitted on the site, except service animals. Prohibited items include ice chests, tents, food or drink from outside the gates, weapons or illegal substances. Security will be on site to check bags, backpacks, strollers and wagons at both entrances for your safety. In the event of rain, daytime events will be at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, and the birthday party will be at the Natchez Community Center, 215 Franklin St.

For more information on these free events, visit the Natchez MS 300 Facebook page, natchezms300.com or call 800-647-6724.

 

Kelin Hendricks is the Natchez Tricentennial liaison.