Are you feeling lucky? For $10 a chance, you could win one of four spectacular packages to be raffled during the upcoming Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, Feb. 22-24.

With your purchase, you will be supporting the NLCC’s efforts to continue providing top-quality programs. This year’s theme of Southern Accents: Language in the Deep South is certainly something of interest to all y’all.

Come to the conference, and while you are in the Convention Center lobby, stop by the raffle table and buy chances on the following packages.

The River Explorer Package, valued at more than $5,000 and donated by the RiverBarge Excursion Lines Inc. of New Orleans, features an eight-day trip on the River Explorer, the only hotel barge on America’s waterways. The winner can choose a trip from an extensive list of itineraries in seven geographic regions.

The all-inclusive package includes hospitable accommodations with a river-view, all meals, snacks, coffee and soft drinks, all gratuities, taxes, port charges and scheduled shore activities. The regional food on board is terrific. The trip was won the past two years by Natchezians who can attest to the winning power of just one ticket.

The Belk Home Package is full of wonderful items, just ready to help indulge the winner’s desire to make a few changes around the house. Stop by and look at the spectacular display. Thanks to Belk manager Mary Flach and to Ron Kammerdeiner for putting this incredible package together.

The Looking Ahead to 2008 Package includes works by Richard Wright, the Natchez-born author whose 100th birthday is the theme of the 2008 conference, Richard Wright, the South and the World: A Centennial Celebration.

The winner will receive admission to all NLCC ticketed events in 2008, a certificate worth about $100.

The Natchez Little Theatre, which in 2008 will produce a play adapted from Wright’s “Native Son,” has generously donated two Grand Benefactor Level tickets for the 2007-08 60th Diamond Jubilee Season.

Valued at $180, it is a very special treat that lasts all year.

The books, theater, film and music package features a wide array of books, movies and CDs featuring works of speakers, award winners and others involved with the NLCC, including Jennifer Ogden, Tricia Walker, Davis Raines, Dr. Jerry Ward and Carolyn Vance Smith.

A real treat for past attendees is the special publication of the Southern Quarterly of the University of Southern Mississippi, featuring selected papers from last’s year NLCC, which used the theme, Southern food and drink.

Topping off the package is a photo session with T.G. McCary Photography, including an 11 x 14 portrait.

The generosity of many people and businesses has made these packages possible. Thanks to Eddie Conrad and the RiverBarge Excursions Lines Inc.; Mary Flach and Ron Kammendeimer of Belk in Natchez; Layne Taylor and the Natchez Little Theatre; Charles Hall of Cover to Cover; Lorra Maxwell at Maxwell Printing; Tim McCary; and Kathy Stephens, Elliot Ernst, Sim Callon, Sue Moeser and my good buddies, the Divine Divas of Raffles, Micki Hartley, Linda Ogden and Shirley Petkovsek.

Now that you are clutching your rabbit’s foot, how do you go about buying a raffle ticket? Call me at 601-445-2153 or purchase tickets in the lobby of the Natchez Convention Center during the NLCC. Our raffle team will sell chances during conference hours beginning at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 22. The drawing will be at 4 p.m., Feb. 24. You do not have to be present to win.

And, just so everyone is a winner, with each raffle ticket comes a coupon good for one free book at the Friends of the Library book sales. Lucky or not, who can resist a free book?

Support a worthy cause. Support the award-winning NLCC. Buy a raffle ticket and keep your fingers crossed!

Maria Bowser is a member of the NLCC advisory board.