Believe it or not, it is time once again to get ready for the Christmas season in Natchez. Christmas in July? That’s right!

Downtown merchants are having Christmas specials and teaming up with the Christmas in Natchez committee and the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council to have their annual Christmas begging from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Main Street at the Christmas tree site. Once again, the donations from this effort will help make possible the many projects targeted for 2010 holiday season.

Last year through these fundraising efforts, the dream of turning our town into a Christmas Wonderland of Lights and Decorations became a reality with the purchase of 20 new Christmas wreaths, six sprawling garland strings, colorful new bows for the Christmas tree, lights and decorations on the bluff and refurbishing of several International Paper Company decorations. This year’s plans are to add more wreaths, garland, IP decorations, as well as light-up Memorial Park.

Shop owners all around town outlined their buildings with white glimmering lights and the Natchez skyline looked beautiful for the 2009 holidays. Business was up, as the vast number of visitors came to not only enjoy the scenery around town, but participate in the fun activities provided as well.

Again this year, plans are being made for all ages to participate.

A gumbo cook-off to kick off the season, a puppet show, a great parade and candlelight tours are being scheduled. A brochure and Web site will soon become available to promote these events.

So come join in the fun as the downtown merchants get in the Spirit of Christmas with Christmas shopping specials and help keep the “sparkle” that was started last year by bringing your change or check this Friday in front of B&K Bank.

Great things are happening in Natchez, and we hope you will join us!

Ginger Hyland is the co-chairman of the Christmas In Natchez, City of Lights committee.