City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.

The downtown Christmas tree has been lit, and our annual Christmas Parade has run. On behalf of the parade organizing committee, please allow me this opportunity to say thank you to all who helped to make it all possible. Your support allowed us to present to the City of Natchez a truly memorable occasion.

A special note of praise is extended to the Natchez Downtown Development Association (NDDA) whose members purchased the specialty lighting displays seen in the parade. To Buck Busters Trailer Company of Vidalia, La. & Cook Lawn & Tractor of Natchez for the use of many of the trailers, and Delta Rentals for the use of generators which powered some of the floats. These community merchants, our Public Works Department, as well as all who donated time and resources have captured the spirit of the holiday season, and deserve your support throughout the upcoming year.

“Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile”

Seeing the smiling faces and excitement in the eyes of the youth of our community during the 2007 parade was well worth the effort in putting on this event. Planning for the 2008 will begin much earlier next year in order for more groups and organizations to be able to participate.

“Strings of street light, even stop lights blink a bright red and green…”

You can continue to experience the spirit of the yuletide season here in the City of Natchez by visiting the Natchez Bluffs, and the Visitors Reception Center where many of the specialty lighting displays will be still shining bright. Once again, to all parade sponsors, community merchants, parade participants, and you the citizens of the Miss-Lou who came out to be a part of the 2007 parade experience, I say thank you.

Silver bells, silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the City

Ring-a-ling, hear them sing

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Darrell S. WHITE is a Natchez resident.