Have you experienced Natchez?

“I’ve lived here all my life,” you say. “I know Natchez —the good and the bad.”

Sure, you know the fastest way to get to the bridge or Natchez Market No. 1 when school is letting out. Sure, you know where the bad part of town is and where the best dog walking spots are.

But have you ever seen Natchez like a tourist does?

The organizers of a 77-year-old Natchez tradition are giving every local resident a chance to experience a side of Natchez they may have thought was only for the tourists.

Or, maybe you grew up as an attraction.

Each year you got fitted for the frilly dress or the funny-looking shoes. You attended night after night of pageant practice. And, soon, you were part of the show.

But once you finally outgrew Big Maypole your days at the Historic Natchez Pageant were over.

Until now.

Admission to the pageant is free tonight. It starts at 8 p.m. at the City Auditorium.

Why not experience something new or take a walk down memory lane?

Dozens of local children are ready to show their stuff, and they want you there to see them.

Take this opportunity to round out your Natchez experiences. Then, you can truly be the expert.