The Holiday Glow Up event is still going on today, rain or shine
Posted at 9:07 am on Sat Nov 26 2022
Submitted article
Christmas in Natchez is a big deal, and a local nonprofit is working to ensure that the event counts in all of downtown—not just a part of it.
Building on an effort that began last December to bring Christmas cheer to the downtown MLK Triangle area, BlackNatchez.org once again introduces “Christmas with Inflatables,” featuring electric-powered inflatable Christmas scenes in the 200th Building of Dr. . Martin Luther King, Jr St. in Natchez.
“We’re excited to be doing it again for the community. We got a lot of positive feedback from a lot of people in the community last year and we’re thrilled to be doing it again. It’s all about spreading the light. We’re spreading the light,” said Anita Smith, a volunteer who helps coordinate the effort. “.
To kick off this year’s show, BlackNatchez.org in collaboration with nearly two dozen community organizations and local businesses will host Holiday Glow on Saturday, November 26, rain or shine.
It was previously scheduled to be after the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Natchez, which was moved to Sunday. Now it’s a standalone event for Saturdays starting at 6:30pm. In the event of rain, the activities will be moved to the inside of the depot at 6 St Catherine Street.
The Glow Up will feature free games hosted by local community organizations, free food donated by local businesses, music, and good old-fashioned community fun.
“I think it’s great. We need more activities like this in the community that focus on families with children and activities that bring the community together,” said Erin Washington Smith, who with her husband Dan Smith, an NHS coach and other friends, will be hosting a face painting booth.
Before last year’s inflatable fair, MLK business owners say it had been more than 50 years since they’d seen decoration of any kind in the Triangle area.
“Downtown streets are peppered with garlands and wreaths, bluffs have vintage IP holiday machines, and now the MLK Triangle District has Christmas with Inflatables. We think it’s a modern and exciting addition to a traditional Christmas in Natchez. Joseph A.C. Smith, founder of BlackNatchez.org, said: “Children and young families really like it.”
“We want the community to get into the habit of visiting the Triangle area to support the businesses and activities there. Walk the sidewalks, say a prayer, and send some good vibes for our effort to bring this long-forgotten part of downtown Natchez back to life,” said Joseph Smith.
According to the organization’s website, “BlackNatchez.org is committed to promoting and uplifting African American culture in southwest Mississippi. We encourage love, cooperation, and understanding of all people, with a special focus on Black achievement, Black history, and Black empowerment. “
Christmas with Inflatables will be on display from Saturday, November 26th to December 31st, 2022 in the MLK Triangle area. For more information, visit blacknatchez.org or call Anita Smith at 601.807.2707. Organizations and individuals who wish to host a game tent or become vendors can do so on the BlackNatchez Facebook page or by visiting the blacknatchez.org website.