NATCHEZ — Talented teens and gifted children will have a chance to express themselves and possibly win prizes in the first Miss-Lou Idol youth talent contest.

Miss-Lou Idol will be part of the Art and Soul event, sponsored by Natchez Downtown Development Association May 21 at the Natchez bluff.

Children ages 5 to 13 can register for the first group, which will perform from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by awards at noon.

The second group, for performers ages 14 to 18 years old, will be from noon until 1:30 p.m., also followed by awards.

“They can sing, dance, read poetry, play musical instruments, act, read — any type of talent, we welcome,” said Yvonne Murray, chairperson of Art and Soul. “They can do anything that would be considered art.”

The entry fee for Miss-Lou Idol is $5 per contestant. Registration has been extended to Monday, May 16.

Winner categories will be for first, second and third place. Miss-Lou Idol winners will take home a trophy and cash prize of $50, $25 or a $10 gift certificate for local retail.

“I think it would be fun for people shopping at Art and Soul to hear up-and-coming talent,” Murray said.

Art and Soul will feature original art, music and food on the Natchez Bluff by the gazebo from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Murray said if not enough young people sign up to participate, the contest age categories will be condensed.

To request an entry form, e-mail murrayy@bellsouth.net or call 601-238-8325.