Thank you, Natchez! You’ve done it again. Thanks to you, we have over 50 entries in this year’s Christmas Parade. We are so proud of you. You’ve opened your hands and hearts to this community and we applaud you. Your support is greatly appreciated and we are looking forward to the best parade ever.

Be looking for Miss Mississippi, Taryn Foshee, the grand marshal. Taryn is from Clinton, and is simply gorgeous. She is deeply involved with special needs children and adults and we are honored to have her as our representative in the Miss America pageant.

We have chosen several “parade ambassadors” to represent Natchez and Adams County this year. We promise that you will recognize these wonderful people who have made an impact on the lives of so many in Natchez this past year.

Also, Mr. Walt Grayson of WLBT is an honorary guest in the parade. He is the host of “Look Around Mississippi” and of Mississippi ETV’s Mississippi Roads program. And we cannot forget Ronald McDonald. See if you can spot him in the parade on Sunday.

And don’t forget S-A-N-T-A! We talked to Santa via satellite this week and he told us that even though he and the elves are busy, he cannot wait to make an early trip to Natchez to see the boys and girls here. He’s got some special toys to throw out at the parade so be sure to bundle up and pick a good spot to see Santa.

After the parade, you can come inside the Natchez Convention Center and have your picture made with Santa for only $5. Miss Mississippi will be there for pictures and autographs and Walt Grayson, too. We even hope to get Ronald McDonald to stick around for some photos. You do not want to miss the chance to meet our guests and show them some true Natchez hospitality.

There will be a mega-slide and two space jumps for you to enjoy, as well. The cost to jump or slide is $1. What a better way to spend the evening than to see Santa, meet our wonderful special guests and have fun after the parade.

This parade would not be possible without the contributions of local businesses. The parade is sponsored this year by Stedman & Associates, Waycaster & Associates, Big Joe Oil Company, Natchez Mall Merchants, Southwest Distributing, Walter Brown Law Firm, Isle of Capri, Supermarket Operations, Natchez Bank Association, First Natchez Radio Group and Concordia Bank. Our hats are off to you! Many, many thanks!

Remember, you made this parade possible. You answered our plea and stepped up to the plate. We can not wait to see you this Sunday!

Leigh Anne MASON is a chairman of the Christmas parade.