There is a chill in the air and it finally is starting to feel like fall. Before you know it the Holidays will be upon us. It’s not too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving and the Lighting of the Tree in downtown Natchez. Home Bank is again the lead sponsor for the event and this year we are changing things up a bit for the Gumbo Cook-off. No longer are you required to use 50-percent turkey — you can make any type gumbo you choose. You also don’t have to make the gumbo at the event; you can make it at home and bring it downtown and warm it up to serve. There will also now be a panel of judges to choose the top 3. There is no fee to enter and you can win $300 for the top prize. Don’t forget to decorate your area as there is also a prize for best booth.

You can pick up an entry from at any Home Bank location or visit christmasinnatchez.com or listenupyall.com.

On Friday Nov. 25th, we need all you gumbo chefs to come show us what you are made of. Bring your family and friends to come and enjoy the event. At 3:30 p.m., Santa will arrive in style and he and Mrs. Claus will be inside Home Bank handing out cookies and hot chocolate. From 3 to 5:30 p.m. for $10 you can purchase your gumbo tasting kit. Along with gumbo tasting, there will be the North Pole Playground for the kids, live blues music on the steps of Receivable Solutions, downtown stores will have open house specials and of course we will again have great pyrotechnics and snow as we light the Christmas tree. Last year the event brought over 500 people to the center of town.

Home Bank is proud to be a part of the community and the lead sponsor of this family loved event. Please enter to bring your gumbo and let’s make this the best gumbo cook-off ever, worthy of our great City’s 300th birthday and the $300 1st prize!

Deanna L. Bowser is the Mississippi Market President of Home Bank.