NATCHEZ — Come Jan. 1, 2016, Ward 4 Alderman Tony Fields won’t be cruising Natchez with his custom “T Fields” license plate anymore.

Instead, Fields will join more than 300 other city and state residents and tout a custom Natchez Tricentennial license plate.

Fields said he isn’t upset about the switch.

“Natchez is bigger than T Fields,” the alderman said with a laugh.

As of Friday afternoon, 328 custom license plates — which commemorate the city’s 300th birthday — were purchased through the Natchez Tricentennial Commission.

Friday was the deadline for pre-selling at least 300 plates, the minimum order required by the state to print the license plates.

Jennifer Ogden Combs, Natchez Tricentennial Commission executive director, said she was elated that the commission surpassed its goal.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone who showed their community pride and purchased a plate,” Combs said.

Combs said she was confident that deadline would be met all along.

“So many people in the community came out and showed their support for this,” she said. “It wasn’t just public officials and businessmen — it was across the board.”

Former city attorney Walter Brown, who was among the first five people to purchase the custom license plate, said he decided to purchase a plate for a simple reason.

“This is my hometown,” Brown said. “I think it’s an extremely valuable way to advertise for the city and county on this very important historical year.”

Brown said he liked the design so much, he went ahead and purchased a plate for his wife and daughter, too.

Concordia Metals Recycling Coordinator Jim Smith said once he saw the design, he knew he had to purchase a plate.

“It’s an important year, and it’s really going to bring a lot of national attention to our area,” Smith said. “We need to do whatever we can to support it.”

Betty Sago, who owns the Rhythm Night Club Museum alongside her husband, said every Natchez resident should purchase the custom license plate because it celebrates Natchez and its vibrant history.

“People need to show they are a part of the community and help celebrate what our city has gone through over the past 300 years,” Sago said.

And while the rush to meet the 300-goal has passed, Combs said residents who have not purchased a plate still have an opportunity to do so.

In January, the plates will be available for purchase at the tax collector’s office

Those who already purchased a plate can expect to receive an email notification soon detailing when the plates will be available, Combs said.

Combs said out of the tag’s $31 price, $24 stays in Natchez and contributes to tourism and education efforts within the city.

“We really have the people of Natchez to thank for this — meeting our goal,” Combs said.

For more information on the Natchez Tricentennial, visit natchezms300.com.