Valentine’s Day! Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s beautiful poem “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” is a perfect expression of love that comes to mind on this day of celebration and appreciation of those who are special and who make a difference in one’s life.

Love, flowers, music, hearts, cards and notes are part of this time of expressing love for one another.

To celebrate this special day dedicated to love, the Natchez Festival of Music and the Natchez Festival of Music Guild are sponsoring a fabulous Valentine Party at exquisite antebellum Edgewood featuring a concert of love songs by Opera Cru from Texas, directed by George Hogan and an elegant cocktail buffet catered by Sissy Eidt.

Mr. Hogan is the artistic director for the Natchez Festival of Music, as well as the director of Opera/Musical Theatre Activities at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Sissy Eidt has been a well-known and popular caterer in Natchez for many years; people are always enthusiastic about her delicious and outstanding fare.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Leet have been working to return Edgewood to its outstanding beauty, and it is a very special treat for them to share their home for this event.

Plan to join in this very lovely Valentine Party at Edgewood at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14.

Tickets are limited and must be purchased by Feb. 6.

Tickets are $50 for an individual or $95 for two and can be obtained online at NatchezPilgrimage.com, by phone at 601-446-6631 or 1-800-647-6742, or in person at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at the Natchez Visitor Center.

Rena Jean Schmieg is president of the Natchez Opera Guild.