If you don’t know all the new and great happenings going on downtown then you are truly missing out.

Carrie Lambert, our new executive director of the Natchez Downtown Development Association, has wasted no time getting traffic moving in the downtown area.

Perhaps you heard of Trick or Treat for Little Feet, or the ongoing monthly merchant meetings, Drive By Hi’s or Thirsty Thursdays just to name a few.

Downtown is definitely where it is happening. Today, I want to introduce the newest “happening” sponsored by the NDDA taking place this weekend.

“First Friday Weekends” will take place, of course, downtown and you are invited to help us kick off this new monthly happening. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday many downtown shops will be hosting a Natchez artist to exhibit their art. There will be a “white light” glowing in front of each location hosting an artist. This will be a great way to view and experience some of our wonderful local talent, visit with artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Art collections from painters, photographers, potters, antiques, jewelers — even some culinary and performing artists will be there. Complimentary wine and cheese will be at all locations. We want to let the world know what amazing talent can be found in Natchez.

There will be entertainment on the steps of Receivable Solutions — on the corner of Main and Commerce streets — starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday you will find our Saturday Sidewalk Sale. Downtown merchants will display and sell discounted items on the sidewalks outside their shops during regular business hours. The finale of First Friday Weekend will offer special discounts for Natchez-Adams County residents (proof of residency will be required) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Yes, specials on Sunday. (Arts, services and already discounted merchandise typically will be excluded).

We are hoping you will all take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate our beautiful downtown area — catch a few bargains — and drink in all the wonderful talent this city has to offer. Bring your children — let’s all make a memory together — and pass on to our children our love for a good time coupled with our love for history and culture — so they too will grow up to appreciate our beautiful city and wonderful citizens. I hope to see you there.

Agnes Holloway is the president of the Natchez Downtown Development Association board.