Spend even a few days in Natchez and you’ll learn quickly just how brimming with stories our little hamlet on the Mississippi actually is.

Natchez would have kept William Shakespeare busy with her tales of history, drama and intrigue.

From the grand houses and the millionaires who built them to places long lost to the ages, but never forgotten like the Forks of the Road slave market site, Natchez’s stories run the gamut of emotions and subjects.

Of course, some of our stories may be embellished a bit. But then again, most good storytellers would never let a few minor details or every literal fact get in the way of a good yarn.

Because our area’s history lends itself to such amazing tales, the theme of this year’s Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration fits like a glove.

“Legends, Lore and Literature: Storytelling in the South” will begin tonight at the Natchez Convention Center.

In its 23rd year, the NLCC always seems to provide a unique blend of scholarly discussions and programs with plain old good entertainment that anyone can enjoy.

The NLCC wouldn’t happen without a number of its volunteers, in particular its founder, Carolyn Vance Smith. We thank her and all of the sponsors, board members and volunteers for planning such a great agenda this year.

We know this year’s event will provide information and entertainment that will spark stories for years to come and we hope residents will come out and enjoy the fun.

You can’t beat the price, either; almost all of the events are free and open to the public. Just show up and enjoy the stories.