NATCHEZ — With temperatures climbing into the lower 90s, the children and youth filling up Minor Street for the annual Minorville Jubilee anxiously awaited the arrival of the Natchez Fire Department.

“It’s hot,” 6-year-old Trevor Washington said as his mom fanned his face. “When is the water truck getting here?”

The truck would show up in a few hours to give the youth some relief, continuing the jubilee tradition, and further brightening Minorville’s 20th anniversary.

“I haven’t been here for all 20, but I have been to quite a few,” Natchez resident Yolanda Lewis said. “And every time I come, I just sit back and watch all the children have the time of their lives.”

Lewis said she remembers playing games and running through the water at the Minorville Jubilee when she was a child.

“There is just something about escaping back to a simpler time,” she said. “I may even take off my shoes and sprint through the water with the kids.”

While the water was the main attraction, children from all over had plenty of games and contests to keep themselves busy.

“I liked playing games with my friends,” Washington said. “It is fun playing in the street with them.”

Washington’s friend, 7-year-old Freddie Greene, said he hasn’t had this much fun since last year’s jubilee.

“My parents took me last year, and I had the most fun ever,” he said. “This year is even better. I can’t wait for the fire truck.”

There was also food for everyone who attended, and 9-year-old Corina Smith was determined to finish her lunch.

“I know you aren’t suppose to play in water after you eat,” she said. “But this is too good for me to stop.”

After she got done eating, Smith and her friends went and played a game of tag while they waited on the fire department to arrive.

“I can’t wait to cool off!” Smith said as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

Smith’s mother Juanita said this is the most fun she has seen her daughter have all summer.

“I wish there were more events like this,” she said. “There is a community out here celebrating as one, and my daughter hasn’t got to see enough of that in her lifetime.”

Juanita said she hopes to bring her daughter back out to Minor Street next year for the 21st Minorville Jubilee.

“There was nothing but games, prizes, food and a great atmosphere,” she said. “If they don’t have it next year, I am going to throw one of my own.”