Weekend Ticket: Many events planned

Published 12:03 am Thursday, October 27, 2011

NATCHEZ — A busy weekend ahead offers no shortage of things to do and a little something for everyone.

Broadway Bash Chili Cook-off

Bring an empty belly to the bluff on Saturday for the annual Broadway Bash Chili Cook-Off, beginning at 11 a.m. Tasting kits can be purchased for $5 to sample as many different chilies as you want. Included in the tasting kit is a ballot to vote for your favorite chili.

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Organized this year by the Rotary Club of Natchez, the Broadway Bash Chili Cook-Off benefits Natchez Children’s Home Services.

Since the Chili Cook-Off is the Saturday before Halloween, kids and adults are invited to wear their costumes and enter the Halloween costume contest. Music and activities for children will be a part of the event.

Ferriday Songfest

The fourth annual Ferriday Songfest will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday.

An open-mic night begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Comfort Suites in Vidalia followed by the pro writers show.

Both events at Comfort Suites are free and open to the public.

Renown singer/songwriters Tricia Walker and Byron Hill will participate.

The craft of writing, the creative process and the business of music will be discussed at this year’s workshop. If you are a writer, want to be a writer or just love music and the story behind the hits, join Ferriday Song Fest.

Admission for songwriters is $40 advance purchase and $45 at the door.

Lunch will be available for purchase at Rockabilly Plaza with live entertainment by Sylvia Johns Ritchie and her advanced music students.

Call 601-431-6149 for more information.

River Cities March for Babies

What is formally known as the March of Dimes, the March for Babies is aimed at raising funds for research and programs that help babies begin healthy lives.

March registration opens at 8 a.m. at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center, with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.

Longwood Halloween Carnival

The witching hour starts at 4 p.m. for the annual Longwood Halloween carnival. Festivities will come to a close at 7:30 p.m.

Games, treats for kids, and a football tent and beverages for adults, will be available.

The cost for admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Wristbands are available for $20, which includes one picture, hayride, haunted house and pumpkin along with unlimited midway games. Individual tickets will be available at the gate.

The Longwood Halloween Carnival is sponsored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Cox Hill Fall Festival

The 13th annual Cox Hill Fall Festival will begin at dark Friday, Saturday and Halloween night.

Admission is $7.

“It’s basically a hayride through the woods,” said Crystal Warren, who helps her family members organize the event each year. “We have scenes in the woods with (horror icons) Jason, Freddie and Michael Myers. The trail is lit up with tiki torches.

Warren said one attraction will be a 70-foot tunnel that the ride will pass through.

“But I have no idea what’s in there!” Warren said. “I don’t do the tunnel.”

Warren said Cox Hill is located approximately six miles outside of Natchez. Take Liberty Road, past LaGrange, and turn at Springfield Baptist Church to find the horrors.

“This is nonprofit,” Warren said. “It’s a benefit, and the money goes to someone who needs some help in the community.”

Warren said 30 to 35 people can ride on one trailer pulled by tractor, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

Resurrection of Cemetery Road

The Historic Natchez Foundation and cottage owners on Cemetery Road are hosting an open house and preservation fundraiser from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Nine cottages are located on the west side of Cemetery Road, and a shuttle will provide transportation up and down Cemetery Road.

Light refreshments and cocktails will be served, and houses will feature seasonal decorations.

Parking is limited and shuttles will run continually. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the tour or ahead of time from the Historic Natchez Foundation. For more information, call 601-442-2500.

Ealey Brothers Concert

The Ealey Brothers, one of the biggest known names in blues, will perform at the Theodis Annual Homecoming Celebration at Ben Corner Plantation in Sibley on Saturday. Gates open at 7 a.m.

Other activities include ATV racing and a rodeo. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Ben Corner is located 11 miles south of Natchez on U.S. 61. Call 601-392-1030 for more information.

Trick or Treat for Little Feet

Trick or Treat for Little Feet will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at businesses throughout downtown Natchez.

Merchants will be outside their businesses giving out candy to children. Shops on Main, Commerce and Franklin streets are participating.

Children should be dressed in their Halloween costumes, for a safe, fun environment for trick-or-treating.

This Halloween event is sponsored by Natchez Downtown Development Association.