The daffodils are blooming, spring is in the air, and the place to be this Friday evening is beautiful downtown Natchez where unique shops, tucked inside richly designed Victorian buildings, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. with refreshments, original art, gifts, jewelry, antiques, apparel, food, furniture and much more.

You are all invited to join in Natchez Downtown Development’s March First Friday celebration. First Friday is fast becoming a Natchez Downtown tradition with many people from miles around joining in the festivities.

You may also wish to dine downtown, enjoying the ambience of historic downtown while experiencing the delicious variety of gourmet options provided by Natchez Downtown restaurants.

If you come early, there will be time to enjoy the downtown festivities before heading to the Natchez Little Theatre, 319 Linton Ave. at 7 p.m. for “Southern Exposure.” Tickets are on sale Friday for $10 (normally $15), and Natchez Little Theatre is generously donating the proceeds from Friday’s performance to Natchez Downtown Development.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 601-442-2233.

Southern Exposure is an annual Natchez Little Theatre “not to be missed” comedy — a spoof on the Natchez Pilgrimage. The play continues each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday during Spring Pilgrimage.

Natchez Downtown Development would like to extend our sincere appreciation for all those who donated items for our silent auction at our Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala at Dunleith. It was a wonderful party and a great success!

See you downtown on First Friday!

Marbeth Shon is a member of the Natchez Downtown Development Association.