NATCHEZ — Strong winds and rain Saturday evening dampened the spirits at the annual lighting of the Natchez bluff.

The fireworks on the bluff had to be rescheduled because of the adverse weather conditions.

Christmas in Natchez Committee member Regina Charboneau said another night of fireworks is planned for next weekend after the Natchez Christmas Parade.

“Hopefully we’ll have beautiful weather, and it’ll be bigger and better,” Charboneau said.

Stratton W. Hall, Christmas in Natchez Committee member and marketing and promotions director at First Natchez Radio, said the fireworks just couldn’t operate in the storm.

“Everybody just needs to stay downtown after the parade next weekend and come see the fireworks,” Hall said.

Since the bluff lights run on a timer, that portion of the ceremony was not affected by the weather and went off without a hitch.

Hopeful ceremony attendees took refuge in The Natchez Grand Hotel to see if the storm would blow over.

“I guess we’re stuck here for a while,” said Alex Fedack, who came up to Natchez with his wife, Carolyn, for the weekend.

The Fedacks retired to Gulf Shores, Ala., from St. Louis and traveled to Vicksburg before arriving in Natchez.

Alex said they came to Natchez because of all the nice things they had read and were looking forward to the ceremony.

“This is a shame this had to happen like this,” Alex said. “It probably would have been really nice.”

With every new event having obstacles to overcome, Charboneau said she’s hopeful the event will continue to grow.

“We just have to stick with it and keep on going,” Charboneau said. “I have no doubt that next year will be beautiful.”