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photo by Marcus Frazier
San Jay’s Creations seamstresses Sandra Stokel and Mary Anne Warren do final preparations on pageant dresses Friday afternoon.
Historic Natchez Pageant takes trip back in time
Published Friday, March 7, 2008
NATCHEZ — Just like always, the hoop skirts will twirl and the ribbons will whirl as the annual Historic Natchez Pageant kicks off tonight.
But the Pageant isn’t just like it used to be, said Tammi Gardner, a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club Pageant committee, and locals should come and see what’s changed.
Last year, the pageant committee added a portrayal of African Prince Ibrahima, the William Johnson family and a rendition of “Old Man River.”
“If it’s been a long time or if you’ve never seen it you have an idea in your head of what it is,” Gardner said. “But until you see the effort and what the kids put into it you don’t really understand.”
Tonight’s performance — which starts at 8 p.m. — is geared toward locals. The first weekend is traditionally slow, Gardner said, and most tourists won’t be in town until Saturday.
The Pageant consists of approximately 200 local performers who act out a series of stories on the history of Natchez. Many of the participants are children.
“The first time I went and saw it it just amazed me that you could get boys to put on tights and ballet shoes and dance with little girls,” Gardner said.
For locals who may know a child performing in this year’s Pageant, tonight is a good time to come and support them, she said.
“It gives the kids a chance to do some practicing with people they know in the audience,” she said. “And you get to see them in a totally different light. Little boys that have mud on their face usually are all dolled up.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children under 17.
The king, queen and court of Natchez Garden Club reigns tonight and for the next two weeks. Pilgrimage Garden Club begins its reign March 22.
Pageant will continue until April 5 on at 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Comments
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 3:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Most tourist won't be in town 'til Sat." How many will that be? How many hotel/motel rooms are booked in advance? Come on Natchez Dem. you can do much better with this story. $15.00 for adults and $7.50 a child? Hmmm? For a family of 4 that is $45.00. But then again there are some who can afford that. I can't.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Destiny, believe me, these events don't really drive home for the locals. TOURISM, the word alone means people who have come IN to the town, to see the events. If they are coming, they are coming to spend money. Remember, the bread and butter of Natchez is in tourism.
Posted by tigermom (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Destiny, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours today. If I am not mistaken tonight is free to the Natchez community! I could not swear to this but the past couple of years they have had a complimentary night for the locals. Worth checking on!
This is for the first night performance only.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My Aunt took me to the Natchez Pilgrimage years ago in the mid 50's, of course to at that age all kind of fantasy things were great for kids, but not anymore. The only thing I would like to see are the cute children & of course all the bloodhounds running in towards the end, even if they still do that.
Personally I can think of so many other things I could spend my money on.
Posted by Usedtolovenatchez (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tigermom, he/she has no intentions or desire to go to the pageant. He/She only wants to gripe and bash the Dem. He/She does that on just about every article in the Dem, every day. Must be sad to have nothing better to do.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on March 7, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TigerMom, Yes the communtiy is still invited free of charge tonight on opening night. Destiny, for a play/performance/production of 2 hours the ticket price is quite reasonable, in all the years I have worked with the pageant I have never heard a tourist complain about the price. If anything they are very complimentary of the whole thing.
I know there are many who do not thing the pageant is worth their time, and that is their choice. Just remember this, some of us feel that it is important to keep a group of tourist in town over night. That way they eat here, shop here and tour two days instead of one. To do that we have to provide they with entertainment. That is what the pageant, Southern Road to Freedom and Southern Exposure are for, entertainment.
Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Although I havent been to the pagent in years, I look forward to it because its a reminder that spring is just around the corner. TOURISM is a big part of our community so I do not see a problem with this article. Tigermom I think you are right, usually the first night is free for the locals.
Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ok tigermom you are right my post came in after CHall.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It may surprise many people that locals seldom attend the areas tourist attractions. Even in Orlando, we met many local people who had never gone to Disneyworld. Amazes me! I have attended the pagent several times, and have toured most of the homes. Everyone who lives in Natchez should be familar with our biggest (maybe only) industry.
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The architecture of the homes is enough reason to go look. Workmen, some slaves, built these homes long before power tools. The work that went into making each brick, carving all the fancy details, and making homes that have stood the test of time far better than any made today, give enough reason to go see them.
The very ones bashing the economy that put these houses in place need to look on the rich legacy left by those who have gone before. You cannot see such workmanship in today's structures. Take the tours; if something was made by slaves, the guides will tell you. It is part of the legacy left by the slaves, and it should be honored as such.
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By all means ,ya'll, GO
Posted by dynagirl (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear Democra...t
Please fix Mrs. Stokes' name. That's just mean. Plus, you didn't even write about her.
I wish I could bring my son to the pageant. Hard to believe he'd be doing the "Big Maypole" next year if we lived there.
Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have gone to the pageant a time or two and i live here in Natchez and have my whole life! It's just part of Natchez and without it, we would probably loose alot of tourists! I think it's a good idea and everyone that lives in this town needs to attend it a time or two! I thinks its a good thing!
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 3:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why would i go to the little theater, i don,t dislike plays, I just don,t want to go, just like i don,t want to go to Walmart. If i go to such a event why should i go because others say i need to go. Ya,ll need to go a quartermile which is 1320 feet in about 10 seconds at the dragstrip , now thats worth spending your money on and you can wear your teenie shoes.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
years ago the pageant was a big deal...the last few years it has gone down to just a hand full of people.maybe its time to try something different...oh i know..lets have the bloodhounds run down the trails in natchez.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Different Strokes for Different Folks" - don't disparge someone elses interests just because they don't interest you.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Only if they are on a lease shedevil, and the handler carries little poop bags to clean up after them. LOL
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sparky, does your wife call you that because of the movie "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" ? That is what Beverly DeAngelos' character called her husband Clark. Remember?
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