NATCHEZ — Natchez is nearly six months away from blowing out 300 candles on its tricentennial birthday cake.

A figurative cake that large, however, comes with a cost.

Jennifer Ogden Combs, executive director of the Natchez Tricentennial Commission, said the commission has made big strides in raising funds, but more money is still needed.

“We’re really grateful for community folks who are stepping up and giving donations, whether large or small,” Combs said. “We have a lot of things on the calendar, and need money to fund that.”

The 2016 tricentennial year will boast special events every day for the duration of the entire year, commemorating Natchez’s history and celebrating its future.

Combs said she has already had several local businesses pledge donations.

“The (total budget) for the year depends on whether we get sponsors for specific events,” said Combs, adding that she is currently not at liberty to disclose how much money has been raised thus far for the tricentennial. “We’re in discussion with several companies right now, though, about sponsorships.”

Some local businesses that have already made pledges to sponsor the tricentennial include Entergy and Delta Regional Authority.

Both entities are platinum sponsors, which means they will donate $50,000 toward the tricentennial.

Entergy Spokesman Tim Runnels said to date Entergy has donated $15,000.

“We were the first sponsors to step up to the plate,” Runnels said. “We just think it’s such a significant event for the community, being right on the Mississippi River.”

Volkert, The Gillon Group and AT&T have also pledged to sponsor the tricentennial as silver sponsors, which entails a $15,000 donation.

Combs said the tricentennial commission would announce more sponsorships and donations on Monday, Aug. 3, when the city celebrates its 299th birthday.

“A big part of what we’re trying to do with the tricentennial is move our community forward in a positive way, and bring some energy into our tourism,” Combs said. “We already have a ton of great annual programs, like the balloon race, pilgrimage and Natchez Music Festival. We intend to add to those events, and spotlight them regionally and nationally.”

For more information on the tricentennial, visit natchezms300.com.