NATCHEZ — Rebel red and blue covered the Natchez Bluff across the street from Bowie’s Tavern Thursday evening.

The Southwest Mississippi Ole Miss Club hosted its second crawfish boil for Ole Miss alumni, and Rebel graduates of all ages made their way to the event for food, drink and a chance to meet Rebel basketball coach Andy Kennedy.

“Last year was the first year, and we really just cut our teeth,” club board member Casey Smith said. “We had 40 people last year, and this year we will easily double that.”

The gathering was all about fun Thursday night, but the Ole Miss Club has a serious goal in its sights for the near future.

Smith said the club is hoping to raise $25,000 to donate to Ole Miss in order to receive a $500 scholarship to give to future university students each semester.

“It will take another two or so years to get there with these events,” Smith said.

Smith said having so many Rebels gather for the event was special for him.

“It’s always good to get everybody to come out and give back to the school,” he said.

Kennedy was the feature speaker at the event, and he touched on several topics concerning Ole Miss athletics, including his basketball team.

“I think it’s important (to have these events),” Kennedy said after his speech. “We’re always asking our faithful to come to Oxford and support us, so it’s important for us to reciprocate that support and spend some time with them personally.”

Kennedy said he speaks at alumni meetings all over the state, but as a Mississippi-native he does not remember every visiting Natchez.

“I like (this event),” he said. “It’s casual and in a beautiful setting with an opportunity to socialize.”

Natchez-native Chuck Caldwell, a 1976 Ole Miss alum, said it was nice to see some of the younger alumni like Smith giving back to his alma mater.

“Just look at all the young people with children,” Caldwell said. “It’s just great. I think things are improving, and it gives an opportunity for people from Natchez to do something positive for Ole Miss.”

Port Kaigler, Alumni Association Club Coordinator, said the Southwest Mississippi Club is a great supporter of Ole Miss.

“It’s a great club, and it’s very strong, especially considering it’s in enemy territory,” Kaigler said. “There are approximately 1,400 alumni in Adams County. They have a great club here and this is a good event.”

Bob Barrett, a 1958 graduate, said he was happy the Alumni Association made it down to his corner of the state, and he was glad to have the opportunity to hear Kennedy speak.

“I think Kennedy did a good job presenting the status of his ball club,” Barrett said. “And I like that he put an emphasis on what makes Ole Miss Ole Miss is us contributing and participating.”

Barrett said he enjoys meeting Ole Miss alums of all ages at alumni events.

“It’s good for us to interact with each other and get together,” he said.