When we think of Natchez’s history, like most people, we often think of the period for which our community is known across the world — the period just before the American Civil War.

But Saturday, an even older period of Natchez’s history will be on display at a special event to honor our Mississippi’s bicentennial.

A reenactment of Andrew Ellicott’s historic raising of the American flag on a hill, on what is now Canal Street, will bring our area’s territorial history to light.

Ellicott was sent to Natchez by then President George Washington to claim the Natchez territory for America. Of course at the time the Spanish still occupied the land.

Saturday’s event will include the reenactment of the flag — complete with only 15 stars and 15 stripes, period correct to the year.

The event will begin at 5 p.m.  Tickets are $15, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

Proceeds from the event will go to help repaint the historic House on Ellicott Hill that now sits atop the famous hill.

Earlier in the day, the return of the Downtown Farmers Market will kick off a day of activity in downtown.

We applaud the city and the market organizers and sponsors for bringing back the market for the fall season. We hope the fall version is as popular at the summer market was.

Both events give everyone a good reason to get out Saturday and enjoy the present and celebrate the past of our community.