NATCHEZ — For the 16th year, residents of the Minorville community will gather today to celebrate the Minorville Jubilee.

And while the event originated for the Minorville community, event organizers said people from all over the city regularly attend and all are welcomed.

Burnett Bridgewater, chairman and co-founder of the event, said the jubilee was first conceived as a way to improve declining conditions in the Minorville neighborhood.

“There was a negative atmosphere,” he said of the community.

That was in 1991.

Bridgewater said the ultimate goal of the jubilee has been reached.

Bridgewater said it was 1993 before the Natchez Board of Aldermen officially recognized the celebration.

The first actual jubilee took place in 1991.

But no matter the city’s recognition, Bridgewater said the community has been the ultimate beneficiary of the event.

“This is a better area now,” he said.

“It’s a closer community.”

Bridgewater said the increased contact between neighbors as a result of the jubilee has served the community well.

Fellow co-founder Katie Moore said the event will feature food and games for kids and an all around great family atmosphere for everyone.

“We want everyone to have a great day of enjoyment,” she said.

Bridgewater said today’s festivities will start with a unity march from Martin Luther King Jr. and Minor streets at 9:45 a.m.

The march will end at the Greater Macedonia Baptist Church. A gospel concert and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Minorville will follow.

“It’s going to be great,” Bridgewater said.