The Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce and the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau are hosting a reception today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center. The reception is open to the public, and you are invited to come hear about the great things happening along the Natchez Trace Scenic Byway and the Great River Road Lower Mississippi Scenic Byway. The Natchez Chamber of Commerce will also be introducing its new president and CEO, Debbie Hudson, during the reception.

The speakers who will be discussing projects surrounding the aforementioned byways will be Southern District Highway Commissioner Wayne Brown; newly appointed Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway Stennis Young; former Superintendent Wendell Simpson, and Commissioner of The Great River Road Parkway and Director of The Great River Road Lower Mississippi Scenic By-Way Ann Ventress.

Over the past year, most of us have experienced being re-routed around the bridge construction at the intersection of Liberty Road and Sergeant S. Prentiss Drive. During the reception, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the bridge project and when its completion is expected. The Natchez Trace officials will offer discussion around the planned development projects along the trace, particularly that of a multi-use trail that will be developed throughout the recently opened eight-mile stretch of trace that ends at Liberty Road. On Saturday, May 21, 2005, the National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration, federal, state and local officials, and approximately 1,000 visitors celebrated the completion of construction of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a unit of the National Park System.

You will also have an opportunity to learn about the Natchez Trace Parkway Association and how its membership serves as a critical support system to the development, maintenance and preservation of the Natchez Trace and all its vital elements. The Natchez Trace Parkway Association is a non-profit organization that assists the Natchez Trace Parkway by seeking funding and political support for the National Park Service’s seventh most visited unit. Its membership roster includes dedicated individuals from Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee who are interested in the success of the National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. Membership information will be available for anyone interested in joining. Come join us for light refreshments and an informative evening tonight at the Natchez Convention Center.

Sally Durkin is Media Liaison at the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau. She can be reached at 601-445-6345.