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NATCHEZ — Test your overall fitness Saturday at the second annual MDP Open Championship from 9 a.m. to noon on the Natchez Bluff.

Fred Marsalis Jr., who owns MDP Fitness studio, is the person behind MDP Reach, whose goal is to educate people from all walks of life about the importance of overall health and wellness through fitness and nutritional guidance while advocating for the importance of prioritizing mental health.”

He said the competition on Saturday morning is open to anyone.

“My gym members will be there performing the movements and showcasing what our gym has to offer,” Marsalis said.

The competition is crossfit based and measures overall strength, core endurance and full body mobility, he said.

The event will also feature a number of health and wellness clinics and medical vendors, mental health lectures and a community blood drive.

To register for the competition, visit mdpftness.org.

On Saturday night, the second annual scholarship gala will be held at the Vidalia Convention Center. Each ticket includes a catered meal and cash bar. All proceeds go toward scholarships for Miss-Lou students.

“Last year, we raised more than $6,000 worth of scholarship funds, which were given to students in the Concordia Parish School District, Natchez Adams School District, Cathedral, ACCS and Jefferson County Schools.

The event concludes on Sunday with the Sunday Funday Cigar and Food Festival.

“We’ve partnered with Natchez Parks and Recreation, who will be providing the space jump house and games for kids. We will also have nine food vendors on site, as well as cigar vendors. Velvet Puff mobile cigar vendor out of Jackson will be there, as will Dub Rogers of Steampunk,” Marsalis said. “It’s a day to promote unity, inclusion and diversity.”

Registration is $35 per competitor for Saturday’s competition. You can register on the website at mdpfitness.org.

Tickets to Saturday’s Scholarship Gala are $50 each. For tickets, email MDP1LLC@gmail.com.

“Our inaugural year was successful. The second annual MDP Reach Scholarship Gala at the Convention Center begins at 7 p.m. Both Mayor Buz Craft and Mayor Dan Gibson will be in attendance,” Marsalis said.