Category: Local News

Natchez, MS — In the interest of helping to protect our performers, patrons, and the
community, The Natchez Festival of Music Board of Directors have decided to cancel this year’s
May festival in its entirety.

Those with purchased tickets are encouraged to contact us by phone at 601-446-1104, or email at
natchezfestival@gmail.com for refunds or to see what others options may be available to you.

“We find ourselves in an unusual position, “Festival Chairman, Diana Glaze, commented. “But
due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing concern for public safety, we feel that this is the
right decision. We sincerely hope that our supporters will continue to stand behind us as we
continue to bring high-quality musical performances to Natchez, and the Miss-Lou area, when it
is again safe to do so.”

This was to be the Festival’s 30 Year Anniversary, having started back in 1990. Patrons and
concert go-ers are encouraged to follow the Festival’s social media accounts or e-Newsletter for
updates on any future performance announcements.

The Natchez Festival of Music is supported in part by funding from the MS Arts Commission, a
state agency and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – The Spring Pilgrimage of Natchez’ antebellum homes has been called off as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt life throughout the world.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell had requested Monday that the 22 Spring Pilgrimage houses close their doors to tourists and that restaurants and stores shutter or limit their number of patrons.

“I am extremely distressed knowing that this will cause economic hardship for us all, but it is important that we follow the lead of the national and worldwide experts,” Grennell said in a statement issued Monday evening.

The U.S. Centers of Disease Control has recommended gatherings of people be limited to10 or less. The CDC guideline was 50 people earlier, but revised to 10 on Monday.

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours — in its Facebook post — said the annual event will be rescheduled:

“In light of the rising COVID-19 concerns, we have made the tough decision to postpone Natchez Spring Pilgrimage 2020. We are saddened to have to postpone, but we know it is in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety. We look forward to hosting all of our lovely visitors later in the spring. Dates will be announced soon.”

The Spring Pilgrimage tours and events began last Saturday to continue through April 14.

In his statement issued Monday, Grennell asked Natchez restaurants, bars and retail shops to voluntarily close or strictly limit their in-house patrons to 10 or fewer at a time and to encourage take-outs or deliveries.

Adams County supervisors on Monday banned gatherings of people in county-owned buildings to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Adams County government, as of Monday, was to continue operating with offices open, but some employees should work at home or elsewhere if possible, said Adams County Emergency Management Director Brad Bradford.

The county board on Monday declared a state of emergency to follow the actions of the leaders of Natchez, the state and the nation in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s sickened more than 180,000 people throughout the world.

Mayor Grennell issued a state of emergency declaration for the city on Sunday. “I strongly urge everyone — individuals, schools, churches, civic and social organizations, businesses and others — to forego group activities,” the mayor said.

It has been reported Grennell is being tested for the coronavirus as he suffers the flu.

Natchez City Hall, as of Monday, was to remain open with reduced staffing and employees working remotely. City staff meetings are being held via teleconference.

Several city buildings are closed, including the Natchez Convention Center and Natchez Visitors Reception Center — the tourism hub of the city.

Three meetings at the convention center have been called off for March, said Walter Tipton, who manages the facility. The canceled conventions are tied to schools closed due to the pandemic, he said.

“All of these are significant groups, and the economic loss to our community will be felt,” Tipton said.

He expects the groups to reschedule their conventions in Natchez but not sure when as the convention center is closed to large public gatherings for the time being.

The American Queen Steamboat Co. and American Cruise Lines – which dock in Natchez to bring tourists here – have halted cruises until next month.

Mississippi’s 26 state-regulated casinos — including Magnolia Bluffs in Natchez — were ordered closed Monday night by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Magnolia Bluffs employs about 215 people, according to commission statistics.

Most national parks are open, as of Monday, according to the National Park Service, which operates the Natchez National Historical Park.

Bradford, the county emergency management director, said limiting the number in crowds in one place should remain in effect for up to eight weeks.

Among the county buildings with restrictions for large assemblies is the Adams County Courthouse. Mississippi Chief Justice Michael Randolph prohibited all state courts from having over 50 people together. In his order issued Sunday before the CDC’s 10-person limit was recommended, Mississippi’s chief court officer said circuit and chancery judges are authorized to postpone trials through May 15. Adams County residents summoned to serve as Circuit Court jurors were told not to report in today.

Another county building is the Louis Gunning Community Saferoom – a fortress-like storm shelter. Various events are held there but will be canceled for now.

On Saturday, Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency for Mississippi because of the coronavirus and asked that school districts extend their spring break through Friday. State law gives the Mississippi Board of Education the flexibility to waive the requirement that schools operate for 180 days.

Bradford acknowledged the widespread disruption the pandemic is having on everyday life: “People say it’s going to be rough.” However, he pointed to the importance of the public getting accurate information to help quell “panic and fear.”

Adams County Supervisor Kevin Wilson expressed concerns about overreacting to the coronavirus and people going “stir crazy.”