Taste of reality headed for downtown Natchez

By Julie Finley (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, February 1, 2008

NATCHEZ — Reality TV hits the streets of Natchez today when the annual Krewe of Phoenix parade starts rolling.

The 4 p.m. parade will feature floats from the krewes of Phoenix, Alpheus, Janus, Mer and the Natchez Indians, among others decorated for a reality TV theme.

Natchez resident Ritchie Montgomery, a TV star with parts in “The Dukes of Hazard” and “Designing Women,” to name just a few, will be the grand marshal.

Bands from Natchez High School, Vidalia High School and Bailey Magnet School in Jackson will march in the parade.

The Louisiana National Guard will also be driving a piece of their equipment in the parade.

Lineup will start on Broadway, and the parade route will go down Canal Street, up Main Street and across to Commerce Street.

The judges’ table will be in front of the Natchez Convention Center on Main Street.

Krewe member and parade coordinator Curtis Moroney said he expected a successful parade.

“The weather looks good,” he said. “It’s going to be a clear day. It’s going to be cool, but it won’t be bone-chilling cold.”

Last week’s Krewe of Alpheus parade was rained out and not rescheduled.