NATCHEZ — Natchez’s 300th birthday is right around the corner, and one of the venues for the party is in the process of getting ready.

The Natchez Visitor Reception Center on Canal Street is being spruced up in preparation for next month’s city-wide celebration.

Interim Tourism Director Jennifer Ogden Combs said the main focus of the clean-up work are the live oaks on the property and the fountain in the courtyard.

“We really needed trimming on the live oaks,” Combs said. “We are also working on cleaning and doing a little bit of painting and repairs that need to get done. We are getting (the center) in tip-top shape for our community and the visitors.”

Combs said the fountain has not been operational for at least a year, but it should be up and running by the birthday party on Aug. 3. Cracks have been filled, valves tested and new paint applied with hopes the fountain will be in working order soon.

“We’re shooting for Aug. 3 to have everything done as some of the events will be taking place here,” Combs said. “This is something that needs to be taken care of all year long. It’s something that we want to maintain.”

Combs said she was excited for the work to be done for the party and Fall Pilgrimage because of all the people she expects to visit the center in the coming months.

“The visitor’s center is the first place many, many people stop in Natchez,” Combs said. “We want to make sure we put our best face forward, and not just the physical appearance. We are working really hard on updating information as well.”

Combs said they are still looking for art and food vendors for the street party to wrap up the details of the party. It is free to participate. Call 800-647-6724 for more information.