NATCHEZ &045; The first annual Cruisin Natchez on the River, sponsored by The River City Bad Boyz and Natchez, will be held Friday through Sunday at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

Cruisin in classic cars, listening to oldies, participating in a poker run and winning exceptional prizes will all be part of the event this weekend.

The deejay for the event and president of Mississippi Muscle and Street Machine Club, Chuck Herring, has participated in Natchez car shows for the past 26 years. The River City Bad Boyz is a growing club with members in Mississippi and Louisiana, said Herring. Since the club is fairly new in Natchez, Herring said it is trying to establish itself with &uot;a bang-up show.&uot;

Interested parties can register a classic car for $15 on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Ramada Inn Hilltop. Registration will also be held the day of the show on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. with a fee of $25.

A cruise-in will be held at the Sonic in Vidalia at 7 p.m. Friday with music and games, including hoola-hoop and hamburger-eating contests. The drive-thru judging contest will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Welcome Center with three judges from Gulfport.

Mississippi state champion fiddle player Katrina Pittman, will appear on Saturday. A drawing will also be held all-day Saturday in which participants can win door prizes donated by local merchants. The first 200 people to receive goodie bags will get a free buffet meal voucher compliments of the Isle of Capri Casino.

At 1 p.m. Saturday a poker run will be held and participants will receive a free garden tour of Rosalie Antebellum Home. The other stops will include Dunleith, Stanton Hall and Longwood Antebellum Homes.

The poker run will finish at the Natchez Welcome Center.

The show is expected to wind down at about 6 p.m. Saturday, but the fun will continue at the Ramada with live music. Awards will be presented on Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center and a drawing will be held from the registered vehicle numbers.

The top award for registered vehicles, donated by Jordan Carriers, is a complete 350 engine, 250 horsepower with 304 pounds of torque crate engine with chrome Bow-Tie valve covers.

To interest women in attending the event, a 14 carat gold, three carat diamond bracelet will be awarded.

Other prizes will include three barbeque grills to clubs, not individuals, and drawings for a free weekend get-a-way at the Guest House Bed & Breakfast and $450 Lincoln mig welder.