NATCHEZ — Over plates of fried chicken and dyed eggs, families from the Natchez area gathered on the bluff near the gazebo to celebrate Easter Sunday.

The event, a first-ever of its kind, was called the Easter Bonnet Promenade.

Director of the Downtown Development Association Carrie Lambert said the event was a way to bring families together and give them a chance gather as a community to celebrate Easter.

“This is going to be a lot of fun for everyone,” she said.

And everyone at Sunday’s event appeared to be having a great deal of fun.

Stella Golden showed up with several members from her family.

She said the wide variety of activities for all ages made the event especially appealing for families.

“There’s a lot of good flavor here,” she said.

Several local artists set up tents to display their wares.

And for the kids, Lollie the clown made balloon animals and painted faces.

The star of the day, the Easter Bunny, also made an appearance at the event.

As the rabbit walked through the crowd many children were equally amazed and horrified.

Several ran screaming from his fuzzy paws.

An Easter egg hunt proved more popular than the actual Easter Bunny with the younger crowd.

As kids ran across the bluff searching for plastic eggs, parents socialized and took in the sites from local artists.

Artist D.W. Bryant displayed a wide selection of hand crafted wooden bowls.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us (artists),” he said. “It shows people what they have right here in their own town.”

While the promenade was only in its first year it was still successful and Lambert is already looking to the future.

“Next year it should be even better,” she said.