Friends and neighbors, do you know what 2016 means?

Well is just so happens it will be the 300-year anniversary of Natchez as a city, the oldest one the Mississippi River.

Electricity, vehicles, the United States, hot-air balloons, flight, a majority of modern nations, oil wells, telephones, radios, spinning jennies, gas stoves, steamboats and a million other inventions have all been introduced since Natchez was established.

It is fair to say there isn’t much in our 300-year history that Natchez hasn’t seen. From good to bad, Natchez has experienced it, survived it, and continues on.

I certainly hope I’m not the first to start thinking about it, but Natchez as a town in general should start planning. The entire year could be a celebration not only by the people of Natchez, but for the people of Natchez. It could provide Natchez the rare opportunity to shine nationally, advertise ourselves as the most beautiful city on the river, showcase our people, our culture and most importantly, make Natchez a household name across the country.

Instead of “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” or “What are you waiting for, find it here” for the entire state of California, Mississippi should craft similar commercials promoting our state.

If funds started getting secured now, by 2016, we could host live music every weekend for the entire year throughout the city, the existing annual events could be incorporated into the yearlong party (balloon races, Spring Pilgrimage, Mardi Gras, etc.).

Local and state tourism associations could make 2016 the major draw for visiting Mississippi.

The public should name the event and contribute artwork submissions. Local and regional musicians, local and regional artists should be showcased. Sculptures and artistic structures should be established in and around downtown. All Mississippi celebrities should be invited for a sort of “homecoming” and, most importantly, the City of Natchez could be at the center of all the attention, with the State of Mississippi promoting the yearlong celebration.

The only real question is who is willing and able to pull something like this off?

David Gammill

Natchez resident