NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez plans two-day Fourth of July celebration with parade, live music and fireworks is preparing a two-day Independence Day celebration featuring a second-line parade, family festival activities, live music and a fireworks finale as part of America’s 250th birthday observance.
Events will be held at Bandstand on the Bluff at 107 S. Broadway St. and surrounding downtown areas, with activities free and open to the public.
Festivities begin Friday, July 3, with a second-line-style parade stepping off at 4:30 p.m. Lineup begins at 4 p.m. at Memorial Park. Grand Marshal Capt. Jack Kerwin will lead the parade alongside the Epic Funk Brass Band as participants march toward the Bandstand.
Organizers are encouraging veterans, active military members, JROTC, VFW and American Legion participants to join the parade. Families are invited to decorate bicycles, tricycles and wagons in patriotic themes. Ainsley Dupré, Natchez Miss Hospitality, will hand out flags to spectators along Main Street.
Following the parade, a family festival will run from 4:30 p.m. until dark, featuring a petting zoo, bounce houses, bubbles, hula hoops, cornhole, disc golf and other yard games provided by Natchez Parks and Recreation.
Live music begins at 5:10 p.m. with the Epic Funk Brass Band, followed by Mira.Got.Soul at 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, continues the celebration with additional live music and family activities. The lineup includes Cha Cha Boo at 5 p.m. and The Remedy featuring Tema Larry at 7 p.m.
Family festival activities will again be offered from 4:30 p.m. until dark.
The celebration will conclude Saturday night with a fireworks finale at 9 p.m., courtesy of Miss-Lou Fireworks, accompanied by patriotic music by Larry Boland.
Organizers said free water will be provided by Coca-Cola, and cooling stations including large fans and misting machines will be available through the Natchez Convention Center to help attendees beat the heat.
