For years, at least a small group of people have gathered on the anniversary of a tragic fire to remember the victims of the Rhythm Night Club.

It’s an important annual event. But in recent years, the memorials have grown in size, interest and organization.

The introduction of a Rhythm Night Club Museum and the work of Monroe and Betty Sago to organize support for it has brought new attention to the disaster that killed 209 people.

This year, the memorial events go a step further. Thanks to a partnership between several local groups and Darrell White, director of the Natchez cultural heritage tourism and the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Museum, a full day’s events are planned.

Natchezians of any age or race can easily make a day of remembering those who were lost while learning a bit more about our history.

The Natchez Business and Civic League will host a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday at 164 East Franklin St., followed immediately with the wreath lying on the bluff.

The Rhythm Club Museum will host an event with remarks, food and entertainment to commemorate the fire and its victims at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the club’s original location of 5 St. Catherine St.

And the day will wrap up with a free screening and the Natchez premiere of the “Rhythm Night Club Fire” documentary at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, which starts at 3 p.m. and will last one hour.

Planning these events in sequence makes them more user-friendly and encourages more people to participate, giving the fire victims the tribute they deserve.