While other city officials were sworn in Tuesday, Phillip West’s big day will be July 1 &045; and some big-name speakers will be on hand to say a few words.

On that day, West will be sworn in as Natchez’s first black mayor since Reconstruction, kicking off an entire night of inaugural events that are free and open to the public.

Brian Perry, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Charles W. &uot;Chip&uot; Pickering, confirmed Tuesday Pickering will serve as a keynote speaker for West’s swearing-in ceremony. In a recent statement Pickering, R-3rd District, congratulated West on his victory and urge Natchez’s citizens to support their new mayor.

Larry &uot;Butch&uot; Brown, former Natchez mayor and executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, will also serve as a speaker for the event, the MDOT’s Janet Sullivan said Tuesday.

The swearing-in ceremony itself will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center.

That will be followed by a reception until 8 p.m. at the center and a gala event from 8:30 to 11 p.m. at the Isle of Capri Casino. The Isle of Capri will also sponsor the reception.

West said he chose to hold the ceremony July 1 rather than be sworn in with other city officials June 22 to allow state legislators, classmates and colleagues from far-flung locations a chance to attend.