We’ve always known our downtown is special. This week we received recognition of just how special it is — we’re one of the best in the state.

That statement comes after the Mississippi Main Street Association awarded individuals, businesses and municipalities four awards for their downtown work.

Natchez tied with Port Gibson for having the most awards in the state. And who better to tie with than our lovely neighbors to our north.

Both Port Gibson and Natchez downtown development associations are members of the Mississippi Main Street Association which presented the awards Monday.

Honored were Darby’s Gifts and Accessories owners Dennis and Darby Short, as merchants of the year; The Brown Company, owned by Natchez Mayor Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown, for historic rehabilitation design; Brown Barnett Dixon, owned by Patty and Katherine Killelea, for design facade rehabilitation; and the Main Street Marketplace for public improvement projects.

The awards prove the NDDA and the dozens of downtown merchants which make it up continue to lead the downtown in the right direction.

Our downtown is special.

Many of us may take it for granted, but look around the next time you travel outside Natchez and notice other downtowns.

Ours is the envy of many other larger cities.

The best way to keep our downtown alive and prosperous is for our community to support the downtown merchants. Don’t shop out of town. Shop right here in one of the best downtowns in our state.