NATCHEZ — A parade honoring the MHSAA Class 5A State Champion Natchez High School Lady Bulldogs basketball team begins at 5:30 p.m. today.

The Lady Bulldogs clinched the state championship for the second consecutive year on March 13 in a come-from-behind victory over West Jones High School.

Steven Richardson, public relations coordinator for Natchez-Adams School District, said he about 40 groups have signed up to participate in the parade.

Parade participants should line up on Broadway near Franklin Street at 5 p.m. today. Because of the Holy Week observance, the parade isn’t the usual for Natchez. It will begin at Broadway and Franklin, travel up Franklin Street to Rankin, turn left on Rankin toward Jefferson Street, then continue along Jefferson to the bluff.

“The most asked question we’ve gotten from people who are going to be in the parade is if they can throw candy and the answer is yes, they can throw candy,” Richardson said.

“The coaching staff and team have shown not only that their win was not by chance, but also that they are the true champions because they won back to back,” said Superintendent Dr. Frederick Hill. “They deserve more celebration, and we want the community to join in again.”

Proceeds from the parade, as well as from commemorative t-shirt sales and ticket sales from a banquet planned to honor the team, will go toward the purchase of championship rings for the team and coaching staff.

The banquet will be held on May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Steckler Multipurpose Building at Natchez High School. Tickets are $20 and only 300 will be sold.

Monetary donations from area businesses and individuals are also being accepted to help fund the purchase of rings for the team. For more information, or donation arrangements, please contact Natchez High at 601-445-2865.