Last week was filled with Easter baskets and religious observances of the holiest day of the year. As we look forward to a week bursting with spring flowers and warm temperatures, let’s pause to look at some of last week’s highlights:

-When residents make their official toast to the Natchez Tricentennial, they might want to consider substituting glasses of champagne with commemorative bottles of Coca-Cola. Three thousand 8-ounce bottles with the official tricentennial logo are expected to be delivered to Natchez April 9 as part of the city’s partnership with Coke. The bottles should provide a long lasting memento of the year-long event.

-The Americana in Mississippi tour gave residents plenty of reasons to dance Tuesday. Traveling to 16 Mississippi cities, the tour, sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Tourism, offers free concerts to showcase local musicians, such as “The Black Suns” in Natchez, and to demonstrate the important role music plays in the lives of Mississippi towns.

-Leadership Natchez gave fundraising for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society a kick Saturday with its annual kickball tournament at Duncan Park. Nine teams competed and raised more than $4,000 to help stock the local animal shelter on Liberty Road. Thanks to everyone who helped contribute to welfare of area dogs and cats.

-Children across the Miss-Lou scrambled across spring green lawns to find colorful eggs filled with candy and prizes. Organizers of events at Duncan Park, North Natchez Park and other venues across the region deserve a heartfelt thanks for focusing their time, energy and resources on brightening the faces of children and adding to the spirit of the Easter holiday.

Here’s hoping the joy of the season will continue to shine in our hearts and minds as we look forward to another week of good news.