At 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, everyone is invited to join more than 50 Mississippi Main Street Communities and Blue Cross Blue Shield as we participate in “Let’s Go Walkin” Downtown.

This statewide walk will occur simultaneously in Main Street communities across Mississippi. Come participate in a community walk for all ages to celebrate health, wellness and community spirit. Natchez Downtown Development is combining forces with local businesses, such as Britton & Koontz Bank, United Mississippi Bank, Dunleith Properties, Community Hospices of America, First Natchez Radio Group, Comcast Spotlight and local schools to involve organizations in their communities to participate and help promote the “Let’s Go Walkin” campaign in our neighborhoods.

Mayor Jake Middleton will welcome the participants in the walk, and downtown development and Dunleith will lead the walk from the Gazebo on the Bluffs on Broadway by Main Street — across from Bowie’s Tavern (100 Main St.) The walk proceeds up Broadway to Franklin, down Franklin to Martin Luther King Jr., across Martin Luther King Jr. to Main Street, then back down Main Street to end at the Gazebo on the Bluffs.

This one-mile walk is a wonderful opportunity to gather seniors, adults and children together and show your community support of downtown development and health and wellness awareness. T-shirts and goody bags will await the first 50 finishers.

Why is this important?

Mississippi has been listed as one of the top obese states for several years running with the highest death rate in the country relating to diabetes.

Obesity and other health related issues are accountable for almost 50 percent of our states health care budget. With taking at least 30 minutes out of your day to walk you can help prevent being overweight which in turn will help prevent, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and cancers of the colon, prostate and breast, just to name a few. In this fight for better health, Mississippi Downtown Development wants to get you out there in your communities and enjoy what your downtown and surrounding areas have to offer! With walking trails, beautiful wildlife and downtown squares, walking has never been more enjoyable in Mississippi.

So on Nov. 8 come out and join your community in this fight against obesity! We not only want to keep Mississippi beautiful but we also want to keep it healthy too!

Sarah Rowell is a Downtown Development Authority board member.