Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — At least 25 different businesses and countless vendors in a 15-mile stretch of the Miss-Lou are a part of the Spring 2024 Junkin’ on the River, which takes place April 5 and 6.

Thousands of consumers partake in the annual shopping extravaganza happening at businesses on both sides of the Mississippi River. Many of them, especially women, come year after year from within a few hours driving distance with pocketbooks full of cash and ready to max out their credit cards, organizers said to downtown Merchants during their monthly meeting at Natchez Coffee Co. on Wednesday.

The 2024 Junkin’ on the River is off to a terrific start with plenty of sponsors to thank for it, including 95 Country, Concordia Bank & Trust, Delta Bank, Riverview R.V. Park, Wishes Bakery, Sonic Drive-In, Kudzu Cotton Boutique, Miss-Lou Studio Creative, A Gallery, Johnny’s Pizza, UMB, Magnolia Cottage, Appliances and More, RRUS and Co., Joate, and Old South Trading Post to name a few.

Participating businesses will have red and white balloons placed outside, telling participating consumers that they’re part of Junkin’ on the River.

Participants from Vidalia, Louisiana include: Bless this Mess, 1611 Carter St.; St. Andrews Thrift Store, 5005 U.S. 84; Parker’s Closet 3002 Carter St.; Leslie-Anne’s, 1644 Carter St.; Trinkets and Treasures, 1642 Carter St.; Finders Relics & Resale, 1631 Carter St.; and Rusty Bucket, 400 Carter St.

Participants from Natchez include: Consignment and More at Jacobs, 120 N. Commerce St.; The Shops at Kress, 122 N. Commerce St.; Consign and Design, 105 N. Commerce St.; Eccentricities, 707 Main St.; Franklin St. Relics, 512 Franklin St.; Honey and Pearl, 614 Franklin St.; Mrs. Holders Antiques, 636 Franklin St.; Lower Lodge Antiques, 712 Franklin St.; Paws for a Cause Thrift Store, 230 U.S. 61 S.; Living Hope Thrift Store, 321 U.S. 61 S.; Pleasant Acre Day School Thrift Store, 325 Liberty Road; St. Andrews Thrift Store, 4333 U.S. 61 N.; My Book House, Hwy 551 U.S. 61 N.; Annie Mae’s, 642 U.S. 61 N.; E.J.’s Flea Market, 676 U.S 61 N.; Attic Treasures, 637 U.S. 61 N.; Booth Eleven, 637 U.S. 61 N.; and Happy Place, 747 U.S. 61 N.

In other news during Wednesday’s Downtown Merchant’s meeting, Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Fortenberry-Jenkins announced that the kick-off party for the 2024 Natchez Food and Wine Festival that is scheduled to take place Friday at Church Hill Variety has already sold out.

This is the inaugural preview dinner for the festival, which is scheduled to happen July 26 and 27. Visit Natchez describes the Food and Wine Festival as “One of the most highly anticipated culinary events in Mississippi.” Festivities include multi-course dinners in historic mansions, progressive dining events, gourmet tastings, and casual dining socials that feature renowned chefs, restaurateurs, vintners, and craft beer brewers from throughout the Gulf South.

“Tastings Along the Mississippi River”—which happens the first night of the festival, entails scores of regional chefs and restaurants.

Advance tickets for Friday night are $75 or $90 at the door.

The following Saturday, top regional chefs stage elaborate feasts inside Natchez mansions.

Learn more at natchezfoodandwine.com.