Good morning, happy holidays everyone! It’s that time of year again — time to come downtown and check out the holiday festivities we’ve planned to help make this year a really memorable one.

The stores will be decorated for the holiday season — especially since we’re having a holiday-themed window contest! The winner will be announced at the giant tree lighting and will receive a beautiful wreath to place on the front of their shop! Now, on to the listing of the weekend’s festivities:

44:30 to 6 p.m. today — The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree on Main and Commerce, culminating with a visit from you know who — Santa! There will be hot chocolate and cookies for everyone —provided by Dunleith — and first come, first served so come early! We’ll proceed with an opening prayer from Father David O’Connor of St. Mary Basilica, a welcome and proclamation from Mayor Jake Middleton, performances by Frazier Primary, Natchez High Chamber Choir, and the Natchez Little Theatre! Of course, we’ll light the tree and sing some carols together and wait for the arrival of Santa!

46 to 8 today — First Friday Art Walk throughout the downtown area. Shops that are open and hosting artists, musicians, antiques and art work will be signified by white blinking lights outside their shops. So walk around — enjoy the free refreshments in the shops and do a little Christmas shopping!

4Saturday — All day long downtown shops will be hosting their annual Christmas Open Houses. There will be holiday specials available and luscious treats for shoppers. In these trying economic times, your dollars mean so much. So we are asking everyone to help this city and the downtown businesses by coming downtown to do their shopping.

411 am to 3 p.m. Saturday — Art Stroll in Memorial Park

46 p.m. Saturday — Natchez Christmas parade of lights. This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World!

4Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday — Downtown Open Houses

So bring your family out. It’s going to be a weekend we’ll all remember!

Carrie Lambert

director, Natchez Downtown Development