Vendors are registered, entertainers are scheduled and last minute preparations are winding down for the 47th annual Natchez Trace Festival, which begins Friday night and continues all day Saturday.
Chairman Markieth Selmon said plans are for the continuation of a fun and family- centered event that is expected to draw a large crowd. Committees and chairmen have worked hard to make it an event everyone will enjoy, he said.
Miss Natchez Trace Festival Jordan Tharp will visit throughout the event and greet participants Friday night and Saturday. She won the title in a pageant held in early April.
Activities will get underway Friday at 5 p.m. when Holmes Community College Brass Band will perform in the park adjacent to Renasant Bank. Moomba will also begin at 5 p.m. with inflatables, jumpers and games geared for children of all ages. Entertainment will continue in Renasant Park until 9 p.m. with the Jason Miller Band.
Some food vendors will be available Friday night in the areas of Moomba and the entertainment stage.
Justin Develin is in charge of the 5K run and walk and a 1-mile fun run. Registration will begin for all runs at 6:30 a.m. at Renasant Bank. The 5K fun run and walk begins at 8 a.m. and the one mile fun run at 9. Winners will be presented awards at Renasant Bank.
Over 100 arts and crafts vendors are expected and will set up in booths around the courthouse square. Repeat Street vendors will occupy Washington Street from President’s Inn to North Natchez Street. There will be a few food vendors on the square but most of the 19 expected will be located on East Washington Street to Redbud Springs Park.
Saturday entertainment will begin at 9 a.m. and take place on the north side of the courthouse lawn. Included will be an Elvis impersonation by Gabriel Sanders at 9; Wanda Turnbo Choir, 9:30; Beautiful Feet Dance Studio (south side of square), 10; The Gathering Worship Band, 11; Rick and Jilda Watson, noon; Dylan Davis, 1 p.m.; Michael Locke, 1:45 p.m.; The Novel Drive, 2:15 p.m; Leach the Peach and The Bad Nephews, 3 p.m.
The Kosy Cruisers will be in charge of a car show to be located on the parking lot behind Citizens National Bank. In preparation for the event, East Jefferson Street from Krafty Owl to Huntington Street will close Friday at 2:30 p.m. North Natchez from Washington Street to Redbud Springs Park will close all day Friday. Businesses will remain open on the streets to be closed.
