Bond, James Bond.

Yes, he just might show up for this year’s Euro Fest Classic Automobile and Motorcycle Show scheduled for Saturday, April 8 on the grounds of the Rosalie Botanical Gardens because one of his favorite vehicles, an Aston Martin DB 5 sans machine guns which he drove in “Goldfinger,” just may be in attendance.

This is the second year for what plans to be an annual event in Natchez, a city proud of its classic charm.  Well classic design will be in abundance as the finest examples of European automotive engineering excellence will be on display for attendees’ enjoyment.  Admission to the show is free and open to the public.

Automobile exhibitors from Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Louisiana and Mississippi are expected to be on hand for the event, and the Natchez Euro Fest has the opportunity to become one of, if not the, premier European auto and motorcycle shows in the entire Southeast. Besides the uniqueness of the wonderful 300-year old community, the fact that there is so much to see and do in Natchez is an additional reason that attracted such a broad variety of guests and their vehicles last year.  Two automotive experts from California, who were judges, estimated the total value of the automobiles and motorcycles on the field at over $15 million, and we expect to exceed that figure this year. It is anticipated that automobiles on display for the enjoyment of the attendees will include Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Saab, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, just to name a few.  Motorcycles represented included those manufactured by BSA, Triumph, Norton and Velocette.

The 2017 Euro Fest will have well over 100 autos and motorcycles to view, a seven-airplane fly over by the “Bulldog Formation Flying Team” at noon, music and food vendors. Prior to the show, light poles all over downtown will be dressed with flags from the countries of origin of the participation autos. There will also be a parade with over 50 cars participating that will depart from the county safe room at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7, drive down Main Street to Canal Street and then proceed to the Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel. The car show will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with the presentation of the colors by the veterans color guard and conclude after the awards presentation, beginning at 4 p.m. At 10 a.m. Sunday, drivers in vintage apparel will display their cars in front of Dunleith for a costume contest.

The mission of this Natchez event is to combine Southern Hospitality with European engineering excellence. Thanks to the generous team, the Natchez Automotive Society, which is giving support for this year’s event. We are confident, as in the past, this goal will be achieved.

Mike Marsh is the Founder and Director for Natchez Euro Fest.