The annual Natchez Rotary Chili Cookoff featured a cast of characters who helped raise funds for Natchez Children’s Services. Jake Webber holds his bride Varina Howell Davis as part of the Krewe of Phoenix’s Day of the Dead themed tent. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Lauren Burns takes a sip before the chili cook-off begins. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Lynn Leckie dressed as Uncle Sam and Lauren Caroll dressed as the Statue of Liberty for Callon Patroleum’s patriotic themed tent. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Gillon Group’s Caitlin Goodman, at top, stirs up her chili with more traditional cooking methods. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

The Natchez Festival of Music’s Ralph Trappey, at bottom, used a different approach with a pressure cooker. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Residents and people from out of town toured some of Natchez’s vacant properties during this year’s Possibilities Tour. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

local artists Katelynn Yvon hangs up one of her paintings at her booth. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Debbie Phillips’ dog Jude takes a good hard look at Santa Claus Saturday afternoon during the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society’s pictures with the big man in the red suit. When Phillips first adopted Jude last year the first stop the dog and owner made was to get Jude’s picture with Santa at the mall. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Local artists showed off their artwork as part of Art on the Bluff Saturday. Sarah-Anne Winchester gets her booth ready. Wichester is the resident artist at Natchez Pottery. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)