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It’s hard to believe time has come around for another Inauguration and Fourth of July celebration – and the summer fun that comes with both events! To make sure everyone gets the most out of these two all-American, best of Natchez celebrations, I would like to provide some key information – please share with others!

Inauguration Details.  The City of Natchez will hold its 2024 Inaugural Celebration on Monday, July 1, at noon. The event will take place at the Natchez Convention Center and will serve as the beginning of the new term for all city officials, to include the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and Municipal Judge. We invite everyone to attend this great event and celebrate the continuation of the Natchez Renewal, where we will celebrate the accomplishments of the past four years, and, more importantly, highlight the goals and aspirations of the next four years.

Inaugural Gala with YZ Ealey.  Monday evening, July 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., a free event is taking place, open to everyone, at Rolling River Reloaded, 406 Main St. Celebrating the inauguration of our city officials, we will be enjoying great music, food, and refreshments. Please come ready to have a great time – and enjoy the beloved tunes of a Natchez Blues Legend, YZ Ealey.Live at Five – On the Fourth.  Just as we did last year, Natchez will be having an old-fashioned summer party at The Bandstand on our Historic Bluff as we get ready for the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, an annual tradition that draws thousands to our beautiful river to enjoy the Miss-Lou’s spectacular fireworks display. This year, live music kicks off early, from 3 to 5 p.m., with Cha Cha Boo. From 5 to 7 p.m., Lincoln Outfit performs, and from 7 to 9 p.m., Mira.Got.Soul will round out the evening with fireworks to follow. Wardo’s will be setting up a special food tent, free cold drinks will be provided by Coca Cola, and Natchez Parks and Recreation will provide fun activities for the kids. Bring your coolers, your blankets, and your lawn chairs and get ready to have a great time.

Special Olympics Athletes Recognition.  A highlight of our Fourth of July Celebration will be a special recognition for the Special Olympics Athletes of the Miss-Lou. We are blessed to have one of our region’s largest contingents of amazing athletes who have brought home the gold, silver and bronze from last month’s competition in Biloxi. We can’t wait to celebrate their amazing success.Thank You’s.  None of these events would be possible without the efforts of some amazing people. Thank you to our hardworking city employees for getting everything ready for these great events, to include our Department of Public Works, our Department of Parks and Recreation, and our Community Liaison, Neifa Hardy. Thank you to the Natchez Convention Center for hosting our Inauguration! Thank you to Robbie Cade Furdge for hosting our Inaugural Gala at Rolling River Reloaded. Thank you to Sarah Lindsey Laukhuff for her hard work in hosting our Second Annual “Live at Five – On the Fourth”. And thank you to Sabrina Dore’ for making sure our Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza happens yet again – we couldn’t imagine Natchez on the Fourth without it! The Last Thank You is for Natchez! Thank You for Another Four Years! Great things have truly been happening because of you, and greater things are on the horizon. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is Natchez mayor.