Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — One of Natchez’s longest-running festivals that also serves as a fundraiser helping Cathedral catholic school continues on Saturday and Sunday.

The 2024 Cathedral Fall Festival is open to anyone, whether they are a member of the Green Wave family or not, said festival chairperson Brandi Boles.

“My husband (Ryan) and I along with Whitney and Barrett Arthur are cochairs of the festival. I’m not from Natchez and I’ve only been involved at Cathedral for four years but I know it’s the biggest school fundraiser we have and helps every Cathedral family from pre-K3 on up,” Boles said. “Tuition doesn’t cover everything we do at Cathedral and this event keeps families from having to pay more money for their children to attend school.”

The festival includes fun activities for all ages, Boles said.

Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring the whole family to enjoy family activities including a petting zoo, cakewalk, mechanical bull, inflatable basketball, midway games, face painting and more. There will also be a concession stand with juicy hamburgers, hot dogs and other delicious food. There will also be a tailgate and beverage tent to watch games.

“I’d have to say the midway games (are the highlight),” Boles said. “Adult night is so fun but seeing the smiling faces on the kids reminds us why we’re doing this and makes it all worthwhile.”

Saturday and Sunday, Festival sales inside the multi-purpose room include casseroles, soups, scratch cakes, arts and crafts, used books and homemade candy.

There are also raffle tickets for chances to win $3,000 cash, Apple earbuds, an Apple watch, a $500 GoMart gas card, a Benelli rifle, photography sessions with Anne McDaniel or T.G. McCary, a flat-screen TV, an assorted gift basket from One of a Kind and more.

Additionally, elementary classes have each put together a themed “class basket” for silent auction bidding. Raffles and bids close on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Adult night is scheduled for Saturday evening from 6 p.m., featuring Jim Anderson’s famous street tacos with all the fixings and late-night pizza by County Pie and live music by Charlie Hugg and Tyler Gregg.

Paddle Wheel games start at 7 p.m. hosted by emcee Jordan Farmer, where participants can win high-end prizes donated by Miss-Lou businesses and individuals including trips, a hunting package, furniture, works by local artists and more.

Pre-Sold Paddles are available to purchase from www.cathedralgreenwave.com, Boles said. One $200 paddle purchase grants the buyer one entry into each drawing, including a chance to win $500 cash.  Paddle prices will increase to $225 at the door.  Boles said you do not need to be present to win. To-go meals will also be available.

On Sunday, fried chicken lunch will be available for dine-in or to go from 11:30 am to 1:00 p.m., coinciding with the popular Bingo game in the school cafeteria from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Boles gave thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who gave generously of their time and contributions to put on the festival.

“We all started planning this in May,” Boles said. “That’s how long it takes. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family and we invite the entire community to come and be a part of it.”