The revival of Art and Soul this year happened because of the generosity of others.

Natchez Downtown Development Association Board would like to recognize and thank the individuals and businesses who were behind this success.

The Natchez Democrat gave the event tremendous coverage both before and after. First Natchez Radio Group spread the details of the event throughout the air waves.

Blade Runners and Natchez Coffee Company, our two sponsors, provided financial support to cover costs incurred to make the event a reality.

Casey Gilbert and his crew set up and operated the sound system all day no matter how high the temperature rose.

Walter Tipton and The Grand Hotel loaned and set up the stage.

Cheryl Leblanc was a dedicated volunteer at the event. Carolyn Weir did an outstanding job publicizing Art and Soul. Burnley Cook played his calliope. Frozen River Boys, Pushin’ Pressler, Patrick Trahan, DeRailers and Martie Hoover shared their extraordinary musical talent.

The Natchez Music Festival shared the Music Festival Jazz Combo and guest saxophone player with us. Paul Melancon prepared delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and jambalaya. Mimi Miller secured permits, made telephone calls and was our inspiration to select Memorial Park as the 2010 location for Art and Soul.

Brown Bottling Company donated cases of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi. Cover to Cover Book Store donated bottled water.

Many businesses prominently displayed the Art and Soul flier.

And, a big special thank you to the vendors who got up early to exhibit the results of their talent at the park, so we could all enjoy browsing and buying, and to all the people who responded to our invitation and visited Memorial Park to take part in Art and Soul.

This was truly a community effort at its best.

We worked together and created a day filled with fun, outstanding entertainment, exceptional art, great food and good memories.

Yvonne Murray is an NDDA board member.