This weekend is our next First Friday Weekend event.

The Natchez Downtown Development Association invites you to come downtown this first Friday — and every first Friday — for an evening of art, shopping and refreshments.

Wherever you see white lights and balloons, you’ll find a participating Natchez merchant displaying art exhibitions of varying genres. As an extra treat, come in the shops to meet the artists who are displaying their work, and you’ll be welcomed with complimentary cocktails and refreshments. Friday hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday the downtown merchants will have sidewalk sales. Retailers will line the streets of downtown Natchez with endless bargains. Due to possible problems with the weather, though, some sidewalk sales may be found inside the shops. On Sunday, participating downtown merchants will offer special discounts to Natchez-Adams County residents — and some for tourists as well.

All shops with white lights will have maps available that indicate the location of participating downtown merchants who will be offering samples of wine and cheese, water, soft drinks or other light refreshments. Wine must be consumed inside the businesses. Natchez Downtown Development is now selling First Friday Weekend wine glasses.

They are $7 each or four for $25 and will be available during the First Friday Weekend event as well. Stroll down Main Street, view the art and visit with the artists, shop with downtown merchants, dine in the downtown restaurants — all supporting our blossoming arts community and downtown area. We will also have special static cling labels for our automobiles that we’ll be giving to each and every person that comes downtown this weekend — so we can advertise to the world that we have something special going on here in Natchez. Let’s put those heads on beds.

Natchez Downtown Development is proud to be able to invite everyone to come to downtown Natchez for this wonderful event that is beneficial to all — the merchants, artists, shoppers and the public. If you haven’t been downtown lately, you’ll be surprised at the new shops, as well as the ones that have been a part of the Natchez scene for awhile. This weekend event will be a weekend of fun with music, food and, of course, shopping.

For more information on Natchez downtown’s First Friday Weekend, call Carrie Lambert at 601-442-2929, or visit us at www.natchezdowntown.blogspot.com.

Sheri Rabb is a supporter of downtown Natchez.