Some relief packages for the City of Natchez are built in to our own community.

More than just the Christmas hustle and bustle has been going on around us for months.

The Krewe of Phoenix, Inc. — a non-profit organization designed for fun and a time-honored mission of promoting Natchez — has had advance planning sessions for the Mardi Gras season that is beginning to take place before your very eyes.

The krewe has announced its royal court and king and queen, Rex and Rosalie XXVII. The theme is Island Fever, and we will have extravagant balls, parties, parades, lunches, brunches and royal dinners. To accommodate the oldest and largest krewe in the city, the rental contracts to the convention center, city auditorium, restaurant and catering businesses, bands and dance floors are negotiated early on. Then, we can look forward to January and February being filled with excitement and fun.

We hire decorators, restaurateurs, beverage and service industry personnel; we buy advertising; print invitations, programs and posters; order T-shirts, doubloons, cups, beads; purchase lumber, paint, glitter; and buy and get fitted for tuxedoes, gowns, costumes and gifts. Our list of expenditures from the krewe’s coffers is quite lengthy, but our treasurer will attest that this community is generously supported by the Krewe of Phoenix membership and friends.

Out-of-town fans and visitors regularly show up to enjoy the downtown parade and extravagant balls with great music offered by 10-piece bands.

The downtown parade draws visitors from all over the region and promises a long list of entries to delight the senses and spirit. The effort, planning and expense pays off once you ride a float or watch the spectators catch the novelties.

Our parade chairman, aided by the City of Natchez and law enforcement, makes this parade the best.

Some floats appear faithfully each year, redecorated, and there are always surprising new ones. We welcome all krewes and organizations to get busy and take your chance to shine along with us.

It is a memorable experience that is addictive. Our Island Fever theme will be easy and fun to get your creative juices flowing.

If you’re in business downtown, plan ahead for the crowds.

While the members are busy as bees, we welcome you to share in the spirit of the Mardi Gras season as a member, parade entry or as a happy spectator. T-shirts may be purchased at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

To join our krewe, enter a float, donate to our scholarship fund or receive information, contact the Krewe of Phoenix, P.O. Box 2062, Natchez, MS, 39121.

For over 27 years our krewe has sought and met contribution goals for the Natchez Children’s Home, the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society and the John S. Callon Scholarship Fund. We also participate in city-sponsored events.

The royal court will be presented at a lavish theatrical affair, the Call Out Ball. By invitation only, this black-tie event is a fundraiser with cash beverage stations and remains popular for its presentation and costuming of Rex and Rosalie. The dukes and duchesses will perform and the 10-piece band Phat Hat, from Baton Rouge, will entertain.

The parade will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 20. Lineup will be on Broadway. After-parade parties will be held all over downtown.

The grand ball will be Feb. 21 at the Natchez Convention Center. It is open to the public and non-member tickets are $50. The event is black tie.

Happy New Year and Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulet.

Sherry Bearden is on the Krewe of Phoenix Board of Directors.