A week or two ago as the mercury hovered in the mid-90s, we’d have found it difficult to believe that fall was just around the corner. But this week’s cooler temperatures leaves no room for doubt. Fall is here – at least for now.

Today, with the arrival of the pleasant weather comes the return of the Natchez Fall Pilgrimage.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world will come to our community to experience Natchez.

That experience is something that many of us may take for granted at times. But it’s easy for visitors to see. Natchez is a pretty special place.

And we’re not talking about just the antebellum houses. Sure that’s what brings the tourists here initially, but what brings them back year after year is our people.

Pilgrimage isn’t just about the few select folks that own the stately antebellum houses on tour.

It’s about all of us.

And in one way or another the annual event affects almost each and every one of us.

Thousands of residents are directly involved in the hospitality industry, but even more reap the benefits that tourists’ dollars bring.

We should all remember that in the next few weeks as tourists arrive.

Remember that as you’re stuck behind an out-of-towner weaving in and out of the lanes on Canal Street. Remember it when you see someone heading the wrong way on a one-way street.

Seriously, every tourist is a guest in the town we call home. So let’s treat them that way. Hopefully they’ll come again and again.