Whoever said the summer was the time to take things slow and easy wasn’t in Natchez last weekend.

In a time of the year when locals seek refuge in their air-conditioned houses, many events had people walking under the crepe myrtles and meeting celebrities at the local community theater.

All of the activity from locals and tourists was good news for the local economy and the spirit of the community. The weekend kicked off with the inaugural Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival and ended with the farewell celebration of a retiring community member.  In between, people enjoyed the Y’all Means All Natchez gaYrage sale, the Best of the Oxford Film Festival in Natchez and the “A Night at the Little Theatre” fundraiser.

The events helped raise awareness and raise funds for local charities and other good causes.

The weekend ended with the retirement celebration of the Rev. David O’Connor, who not only served St. Mary Basilica but also served the entire community for 22 years. We are thankful for his many contributions.

Other good news from the week included:

4Malana Tennessee graduated as the valedictorian of Natchez Early College Academy with both a diploma and an applied sciences degree. She plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi with more than 60 college credits. Not one to put off to tomorrow what she can do today, Tennessee’s motivation is an example to us all. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

4 The Natchez National Historical Park is also not waiting to start planning the future of the new Natchez Visitor Reception Center. Although the building is not officially in their hands, Natchez NPS officials are envisioning new and inventive ways to bring the Natchez experience to tourists from all over the world.

Let us always be looking for good news in our community.