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NATCHEZ – It’s official: The Pink Panther and Inspector Clouseau have been spotted in our area.

Volunteers with the Natchez Festival of Music are looking for the best Pink Panther costumes as part of an exciting new photo contest, and entries are being submitted now.

The contest invites members of the Miss-Lou to share their best Pink Panther (or Inspector Clouseau) looks and share a photo for a chance to win bragging rights and a dignitary spot in the upcoming Natchez Christmas parade. The fun-filled contest also coincides with the Natchez Festival of Music’s upcoming Evening with the Pink Panther: A Benefit for the American Cancer Society.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 100th anniversary of Henry Mancini’s birth, the Natchez Festival of Music will present An Evening with the Pink Panther on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at the Natchez Civic Center. This fundraiser supports the American Cancer Society’s Mississippi chapter. Mancini, a renowned American composer, is best known for “Moon River” and the Pink Panther theme. The event begins at 7 p.m. with the Sam Bruton Jazz Ensemble, featuring guest artists John Christopher Adams and Maryann Kyle. Tickets are $30 online or at the door, with proceeds going to the cause.  For the photo contest, entry is simple: Just take a photo in your costume and email it to us at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com or send it to The Democrat via Facebook.

Be sure to include your name, phone number and email address.

We’ll share the photos as they are received on both The Democrat and the Natchez Festival of Music social media pages. The deadline to enter is Oct. 7.