If you look past the sweet potatoes, somewhere between the pumpkins and the pecans, you’ll find something unique at the Main Street Marketplace – a special partnership.

The Marketplace is a three-way partnership of the City of Natchez, Alcorn State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It will offer residents quick access to produce and goods grown by area farmers in addition to some locally-produced crafts.

While most of us will quickly take pleasure in the Marketplace’s assortment of goods, its effect on our community is really just the tip of the iceberg.

The partnership behind the marketplace is a powerful one that will certainly continue to grow. We’re delighted that Alcorn now has a presence on Main Street. It show’s the four-year university’s continued commitment to Natchez.

Of course the Marketplace is only the latest in a long line of notable projects Alcorn has worked on in Adams County. With its successful nursing and MBA programs at the Natchez campus, Alcorn is, as President Clinton Bristow said, making its &uot;claim on Natchez.&uot;

The City of Natchez also gets our thanks for helping the project get off the ground and become a reality.

So as you stroll through the aisles at the Marketplace, remember that the fruits and vegetable aren’t the only things to be thankful of … the partnership behind it all is special.