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Parents dance with their daughter at the Thompson Head Start Cowboy Parade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Children line the fence at Thompson Head Start to enjoy Thursday's Cowboy Parade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Children line the fence at Thompson Head Start to enjoy Thursday's Cowboy Parade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Children line the fence at Thompson Head Start to enjoy Thursday's Cowboy Parade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

District 3 Adams County Supervisor Angela Hutchins stands with her daughter, Ashaki Gibson, at the Cowboy Parade at Thompson Head Start Thursday morning. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Tax Collector Terrance Bailey talks to those gathered at the Cowboy Parade at Thompson Head Start Thursday morning. His niece, a Head Start student, plays at his feet. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, NPD Commander Jerry Ford, ACSO Chief Deputy Shane Daugherty, NPD Chief Cal Green laugh during a presentation Thursday. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, ACSO Chief Deputy Shane Daugherty, NPD Chief Cal Green. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten, who was grand marshal of the Cowboy Parade Thursday morning, addresses the group. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

A Head Start baby rests on her mother during a presentation Thursday morning at Thompson Head Start. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, NPD Commander Jerry Ford and ACSO Chief Deputy Shane Daugherty. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Dr. Carrie Ford Campbell, district manager of the Thompson Head Start Program, and her staff held a Cowboy Parade Thursday morning to the delight of Head Start students.

“We chose a Cowboy theme intentionally because we are Cowboys and we wanted to show the importance of male involvement in the lives of children,” she said.

Natchez and Adams County law enforcement showed up in force, dressed in Cowboy attire, including Natchez Police Chief Cal Green, and Commander Jerry Ford, as well as Natchez Police officers. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten was the Cowboy Parade’s grand marshal. Adams County Sheriff’s Office Chiefs Shane Daugherty and Stanley Searcy II, as well as Major Buddy Franks and many other deputies, participated.

Ward 1 Alderman Valencia Hall represented the City of Natchez and Adams County Supervisors Angela Hutchins and Warren Gaines, who rode a horse in the parade, spoke on the importance of education and supporting Natchez and Adams County children.

The Thompson Head Start Program is now operated in Adams County by Mississippi Action for Progress Inc., which is a Jackson-based group that was established in September of 1966.

Dr. Campbell said the Thompson Head Start Program has room for children ages 0 to 5 years old and encouraged all in attendance to let parents know of opportunities Head Start offers to enrich the lives of children and families in this area.

For more information, contact the Thompson Head Start at 1038 N. Union St., Building B, Natchez, 601-814-9019.

Watch video of Cowboy Parade, below.

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