A recent visitor to Natchez asked about street festivals and events in town … Little did she expect the answer she received — from discourses on the quality of performances in the month long Natchez Opera Festival to a rambling list of all the events that fill the calendar of our busy little city.

But one of the most overlooked aspects of our community worth mentioning is the livability of our city, especially our downtown area. It’s not unusual to see couples strolling city sidewalks on summer evenings, joggers enjoying an early-morning workout before heading out to work, or even children riding bicycles throughout the city.

This weekend, downtown shines again with Saturday’s annual Arts in the Park event at Memorial Park.

A day of fun and fancy, the festival provides young and old alike an opportunity to enjoy the downtown park. Sidewalk art contests for youngsters, a myriad of activities for children from bubble pool to arts and crafts, and fellowship all abound at the festival. The benefit, of course, is found in the park itself — where proceeds from this annual event will help provide additional benches and seating areas; trash cans; and other needed items for restoration and improvement.

The downtown park is a treasure, whether it’s enjoyed on a lazy summer evening or on a busy spring Saturday.

And, the Arts in the Park event is an enjoyable, family-oriented day in that park.

We encourage you to take a break from politics and campaigns and join in the fun this weekend, delighting in the smiles on a child’s face as she decorates a square of a downtown sidewalk or plays in the bubble pool.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and it’s sure to be time well-spent enjoying the benefits of life in Natchez.