Mark your calendar for the upcoming fun and festivities taking place during Arts in the Park, Friday through Saturday.

Over recent years, this worthy fund raiser sponsored by volunteers of the Pilgrimage Garden Club, has done much to beautify the fountain and grounds of historic Memorial Park, adjacent to St. Mary Basilica on Main Street.

This year the excitement begins with a fiesta theme during the Friday night adults’ patrons party at Main Street Marketplace, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Live music, games, door prizes, a silent auction — it’s all there along with a cash bar including margaritas.

Tickets for this event are $15 for a single ticket; $25 for a couple.

Saturday fun is for the children, beginning with a tricycle and bike fun ride sponsored by Natchez Pediatric Clinic for children up to age 9.

Fee for the fun ride is $6 per child, including race fee and T-shirt. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the race begins at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial Park gates will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an admission charge of $3 per adult and $2 per child.

Art activities for children include painting ponchos and maracas, making play dough, painting flower pots and planting flowers, decorating cards for Mother’s Day, jewelry making, face painting and a space jump, with tickets ranging from 25 cents to $1.

Free activities include a sidewalk chalk contest for the children of two age groups.

Goldfish are up for adoption

to place in Memorial fountain at $5 each. Children name their fish and receive an adoption certificate.

Vendor booths are still available for $20 and donations are welcome. For more information contact Paige Iseminger at 601-446-8527.

Bring the family to Arts in the Park in downtown Natchez for food, refreshments, bake sale, silent auction, art for sale and entertainment.

We’ll see you there.

Eugenie Cates is one of the organizers of Arts in the Park.