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NATCHEZ — Downtown merchants were not hesitant to apply for American Rescue Plan Act funds available to help them with building façade improvements, Downtown Natchez Alliance Director Kevin Miers said at Wednesday’s merchant group meeting at Natchez Coffee Co.

Miers said more projects were applied for than could be funded with the grant awarded to DNA.

“We received 37 applications. It was a big response. We’re going to have the first review of them (Wednesday) to see what we can do. In total, it was about $1.3 million in projects (applied for). We have $160,000,” Miers said. “Our team is trying to figure out how we can distribute that to make the biggest impact.”

On the upside, Miers and Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lyn Jenkins said the interest could lead to other grants and a sustainable grant program.

“It also shows the great need that there is and that people are aware of what’s happening,” added DNA President Jo Ann Brumfield.

Aug. 2 was the deadline to apply for the $160,000 available to downtown businesses for building façade, balcony, and awning improvements. DNA will now select the projects based on a weighted scoring system.

The selected projects must be bid out and have contracts by Dec. 31.

The grants are designated for improvements such as placemaking, building stabilization, or projects encouraging downtown living.

In other news, construction started this week on Commerce Street, which will receive new sidewalks, decorative lamps, and tree wells, Miers said.

As for upcoming events, Jenkins said the 2024 Leadership Natchez Kickball and Pickleball Tournament is on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Duncan Park. Registration starts at 8 a.m. on the day.

Jenkins said Pickleball is a new addition to the annual Kickball tournament, adding, “It should be a lot of fun.”

A $20 wristband covers “all you can eat and drink” during the tournament. Pickleball entry is $50 per person or Kickball is $250 for a team of 9 people. All proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. Email leadershipnatchez2024@gmail.com for the registration form or more information.

Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m., Shareevolution at 107 N. Martin Luther King Jr. St. is hosting a Dementia Support Group for anyone who has a friend or loved one dealing with cognitive disease. The event is free to attend.

He said the pumpkin patch, which will be located outside the Natchez Inc. office at the corner of Main and Pearl streets, will open five days earlier than anticipated. It will open on Oct. 5 and remain open through Halloween night.

Area children are invited to story time in the patch beginning each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on October 15, 22, and 29. The event is hosted in partnership with the Judge George W. Armstrong Library.

Pumpkins and hay bales for fall decorating are available to pre-order now through natchezdna.org