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photo by Marcus Frazier
Alvin Shelby plays the piano during a rehearsal for Holy Family’s production A Southern Road to Freedom Thursday evening.
Tourism officials get ready for Spring Pilgrimage
Published Friday, March 6, 2009
NATCHEZ — Ricky Smith remembers a time during Pilgrimage when he would get to his shop, Natchez Antiques, at 8 in the morning and stay until 8 at night.
“I miss the early morning and the late evenings,” he said. “We don’t get that anymore.”
For 10 years, Smith said Pilgrimage numbers have been waning, and merchants and tourism officials have been fighting to strengthen the numbers.
“I’m not ready to give in to these naysayers on tourism. I’m not,” Smith said.
So Smith has readied himself for the start of Spring Pilgrimage Saturday, as have homeowners, restaurant owners and Natchez Pilgrimage Tours officials.
Hopes are high and all involved expect a lot more regional tourists.
That’s what’s been marketed — the 200-to 300-mile radius.
NPT Director Marsha Colson said in a way, Pilgrimage is going back to the basics.
“I think there are a huge number of people in Natchez and in a 100-mile radius that have never been to Pilgrimage, have never been to the pageant, never toured a house,” Colson said.
Photo by Marcus Frazier
The Holy Family Catholic Church Choir holds a note during rehearsal.
Through advertising on local radio, she said they are appealing to regional residents.
“We’re reaching out to individuals and the small market basis that we did in the early years,” she said.
Smith said he’s been targeting his advertising toward Alexandria, Monroe and Baton Rouge.
And he said expects a lot of traffic from those areas.
Day-tripping is the term of choice among business owners and merchants.
“People are willing to take a day trip,” said Brenda Zerby, Moreton’s Flowerland owner.
With gas prices down from the previous year, Zerby said taking a day trip is much more plausible.
Colson said she hopes for a strong showing of individual tourists, as individuals make up 80 percent of the spring business.
“The one great unknown is how many individuals will come in,” she said.
However, she said group tours aren’t looking strong at this point.
“They’re down 15 percent from last year,” Colson said.
But that’s including the absence of the Delta Queen and the American Queen steamboat tours.
“Things are going to be a little different because we don’t have the queens coming in,” Smith said.
The absence of the steamboat traffic will not go unnoticed, Zerby said.
“We’re certainly going to miss our boat people tremendously,” she said.
The attitude still remains positive, however.
Pig Out Inn owner Anne Willet said her expectations are high.
“I’m optimistic,” she said.
Willet said on good Pilgrimage days, people will be lined outside the door for her barbecue.
“We get a pretty good group,” she said.
Ethel Banta, owner of Hope Farm, said last year an average of between 200 and 300 people came through her house each day it was on tour.
Fat Mama’s Tamales owner David Gammill said on his good days last year, his restaurant served between 100 and 150 people.
And even if numbers don’t skyrocket and this year is slower than previous years, Gammill said there will still be a benefit.
“All it does is help bring more people to town,” he said.
Comments
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I, as well as many others, are sorry to realize that most of you have such wonderful high hopes . I hope you are not disappointed in this aspect. It is no great joy for any of the ones who choose to make Natchez their home, to witness the closing of business doors. We have lost too many as it is, but fortunate enough to have others to open, looking toward the future. Good luck to all of you who continue to dwell in the past. The past has been very good for Natchez and no-one will deny that, but that is exactly what it is, "THE PAST." The future beckons loud and clear and no-one can deny that either. Keep the past, as memories are kept, but prepare yourself for the future.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, "DESTINY", you're a real downer. The PAST is what makes Natchez so wonderful! I don't know what you mean when you say "the future beckons loud and clear". Are you physic? I, for one think our future is great. We're very fortunate to live in a fabulous rural area where things going on in metropolitan areas of our nation really don't affect us. TOURISM is the industry in Natchez, until other things come to fruition. Could we stand more industry? OF COURSE. But please don't belittle what we have RIGHT NOW. I invite you to park your car and walk up and down FRANKLIN STREET. Every corner is being refurbished. New stores are opening. Landscaping has been done. There are not only businesses booming but lots of people have moved into renovated townhouses, condos and lofts. I ask you to please be supportive and positive about Natchez. If someone asks, tell them we're great. It's clean, safe, and a GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND LIVE.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, "ELGOODO", back in February you said you and your family were leaving town. Why are you still here? SERIOUSLY, you apparently hate Natchez so please leave.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOVESNATCHEZ, most of the negative posters here are from out of town. It almost gives the phrase "get a life" new meaning. :)
Posted by Torch (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said loves, I had a lady in my office two days ago from Florida. She thought that this would be a wonderful place to live and she could tell by my enthusiasm that I truly loved living here. She was tired of the rat-race in her city and would love to live somewhere like this. I have traveled all over the country and all of the towns that are great places to live have maintained their past while trying to appeal to future industry. Lets face it. We are a small town in rural MS, industry is not going to be lined up to come here. You have got to work what you've got. Also, I would like to say something to the people that complain about the people who promote our history. These people that promote history are also the same people that own businesses of every kind in Natchez, from Drs. to Gas station owners. These are the people that have been successful at business and spend their extra time and money to promote Natchez. The people that complain are doing very little to help Natchez. I LOVE Natchez. Sure we have our problems, but so does everywhere else. Please quit thinking negative and add a little positive. I have nevered fired a positive person in my whole career, but I have fired a many of negative. That little change in personality makes a world of difference.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on March 6, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some say that these business owners are living in the past and that you are sorry they have such high hopes for Pilgrimage visitors. Did you read the business story this past weekend where a restaurant was making arrangements to have more supplies on hand and hiring extra help? For many businesses in this town, what helps keep them open the remainder of the year for all the locals who forget to shop in town is Pilgriamge. Everything connected to Pilgriamge is not about the "past" but about making a living, keeping a business open and paying ones bills. Many people view the Historic Natchez Pageant as a waste of time but have you ever considered it as just night time entertainment for tourist in town? If a bus load of tourist come into town tour and leave, we have not accomplished enough. If they stay the night, pay for rooms, eat in a restaurant and wander into a few shops then we have added tourism dollars into the economy. To encourage this we have to offer them something to do in the evening. Right now that entertainment is Southern Road to Freedom, the Historic Natchez Pageant and Southern Exposure. Many posters have ridiculed each of these entertainment venues and yet no one has provided another entertainment for out of town visitors.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THANKS CHRISTINA. We'll keep battling these negative posters until they either quit or join us in promoting the best place in the world to live.!
Posted by donna (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope for good luck to all this year. We will all benefit from it if we have a good year while other places are looking to see what Natchez does. Good luck Mr Smith
ps i love your shop
Posted by time4change (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some years ago, I had guest come from Texas and I took them to tour some of the homes and to see Southern Exposure and the Historic Natchez Pageant. We also took a carriage ride around town and rode the trolley. For me doing some of these things was also a first, with the exception of touring the homes, which I had done a few times in the past. My guest and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the shows and the carriage ride, as well as the home tours. I would go again and so would my guest, as they've told me when we've spoken on the telephone since then. Back then if you lived in Natchez and brought in guest from out of town to purchase tickets to tour the homes, you got your tickets for the home tours free. I don't know if it is still that way.
Perhaps some of you should just go check out some of the shows and tour a couple of the homes and that may help you feel better about Natchez tourism.
I'm not sure now where the office is located to purchase tickets for the shows and home tours since they moved from State at Canal. Anyone know?
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on March 6, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can purchase tickets at the Visitors center.
Posted by escapee (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We like everything except the pagent. It's really, really boring. We tell our guests - to go at their own risk. Love touring the houses, antiquing, the carriage rides, the cemetery is awesome, restaurants are few but good, and we even like a drink or two at the funky bars. Not much for gambling myself but it's a good draw I guess. To bad the boats are gone. But maybe once the Vidalia marina gets going strong, someone will offer dinner cruises or something.
Posted by time4change (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you CHall. Is the Visitors Center located right at the bridge going towards Vidalia? If so, they have a wonderful book store inside there and a nice place to sit and listen to historical information about Natchez. I didn't know that Natchez Pilgrimage Headquarters had moved there, but that would be an excellent location for them.
Posted by time4change (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Really escapee? Because, I really enjoyed the pageant, and didn't find it boring at all. When I went, some of the people I had gone to school with, or at least recognized, were in the shows, and that really made it more fun for me. Same with the plays at Natchez Little Theater...seeing folks you know performing as actors makes it more enjoyable...to me, anyways. Southern Exposure was hilarious.
Oh, I like your idea of the dinner cruises. I hope someone will take that idea and run with it, or paddle it along, lol. The last time I went to the casino it had changed so much that I didn't know how to even play the slot machines, lol.
I had taken all of my saved up quarters, nickels, and pennies, so I had to carry my heavy purse full of change around the whole time because the slot machines only accepted paper bills. LOL. I wish they had announced that change in the Democrat. Needless to say, that when I left to climb the plank, I was exhausted, but still laughing at my casino ignorance. However, I still think it's a good way to enjoy oneself periodically, if you limit how much you are willing to lose and quit at that point. But there's always the chance that you could win. I once put in one dollar coin, that the casino had given me for my birthday, and won $40. I felt like I'd hit the jackpot, lol. Another time, I played a few nickels and won a hundred bucks. Woohoo! That was exhilarating. But, I never spend more than I take in cash and that would be no more than I'd spend on two tickets to a show, popcorn, and a coke at the movies. I just wish they had those Vegas and Broadway shows here like they have in Biloxi and Tunica.
Posted by Natchezbear (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of the Natchez Negatives may not know it,but Natchez has a motto "Natchez Where The Old South Still Lives" We participate in the Pageant because it is fun,it is tradition and History.It along with with marvelous homes, beautiful flowers other Pilgrimage activities make Natchez what it is. In other cities proud mothers and fathers have children in dance recitals and they can be boring as hell. Here in Natchez we tweak it a little. The costumes are amazing, the story told is that of Natchez, the different dances are great to watch and our children participate from toddlers to teens. It may be a bit hoaky, but its well worth telling guest to see it at least once. Believe or not old ladies really love it!
If you don't like it don't go.....but PLEASE don't get on here or anywhere else and talk negatively about our way of life to anyone. We are PROUD and wish for these traditions to continue. If you don't like the way we do things in Natchez, go somewhere else! we don't want or need you here!
Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel your pain Mr. Smith, it doesn't have to be this way. This town has had many a fine thing layed before it and did not grasp the moment. Keep the tourism, but, I think no one should have to look farther than your comments that this ole mule of tourism aint gonna plow much longer. I know I wouldn't want to be in a business that depended on 2 weeks ( fall and spring pilgrimage) to make my bread and butter. Especially not knowing if the 2 weeks are going to be good or bad. In business you are either going up or going down, there is no in between. I'll let your informed comments let the people decide which way tourism is going in Natchez. You know, when the Titanic was sinking, there were people on deck who called the people getting in the life boats Idiots and that it was safer on deck. Some people can't see the trees because of the forrest or the writing on the wall. The true world of business has a rude awakening for them. GOOD LUCK
Posted by reneef (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is it that so many of you are so adment that tourism has to fail in Natchez? Why can Natchez not have industry and tourism? It seems to me that you would rather tourism fail than prosper just so you could be proven correct. Personally I can fail myself and still feel happy that my neighbor is prospering. Money in their pocket from tourism is not taking money out of my pocket. Maybe it will end up in my pocket eventually because they will be spending money locally.
Posted by natcheznative (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, sometimes restaurants close because the food is not good or the service is bad. Sometimes shops close because they don't have anything to sell that anyone wants or because the owners are irritating and rude. Everyone who has a failed business wants to blaim it on Natchez. Look around there are shops etc that have been here a long time and will remain regardless of parking etc etc etc. You can't just open a gift shop with a bunch of junk and expect to make it. You can't open a restuarant with bad food and expect to stay opened.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on March 7, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THANK YOU "NATCHEZNATIVE". You are absolutely correct. Although we do have to have enough traffic come through;
customer service, satisfaction, speaking to each and every customer, having the right merchandise at a reasonable price and just plain common sense go a long way toward a sucessful business.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 7, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
At no time !!!!! Not ever have I put Natchez down!!!!!! I have done my part and more in supporting events in Natchez!!!!! Sometimes when I could least afford it, but I found a way to do it.!!!!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH SUCH THIN SKIN MAYBE YOU SHOULD READ MY BLOG AGAIN. IT WAS DIRECTED AT YOU.
I HAVE NEVER SAID I WISH FOR PILGRIMAGE TO GO AWAY, BUT SURELY YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE DYING BREED, TO LAST FOREVER.
There are things that are here today and gone tomorrow as it has been in the past and will certainly continue in that vein, in the future.
That is the problem we have today. the future is here whether you want to realize it or not. We have many visitors that come to Natchez, because it is Natchez. They enjoy the little city year round because of family, friends, and it's atmosphere, not because it's Pilgrimage Season.
I made the statement that I hope those who depend on sales during this season are not disappointed as they have been the past few years. Or maybe you were just pretending the sales were down. If so, what was your reason for that? Were they just crocodile tears are what?
For all you thin skinned people, I still enjoy the little corner of Natchez in which I live and play. You can't rain on that part of my parade.
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on March 10, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, It's going to last forever. And Destiny, I'm very glad you have a positive side to you. Exercise that part more often . It's very becoming.
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