Natchez celebrates its 300th anniversary almost every day this year. The Tricentennial organizers offer a variety of perspectives on Natchez history, including guided cemetery tours, the Black and Blue Civil War Living History reenactment and display Oct. 22, which shows the African-American experience during that war, and a weekly lecture series called Natchez Legends & Lore. Raise the Roots Genealogy Conference July 16 will focus on American-Indian genealogy and African-American genealogy. Some events are for pure fun. The Natchez Food and Wine Festival, featuring regional restaurants, will take place July 29-30. September 23-24, the first Natchez Biscuit Capital Festival hosts a cook-off with different skill levels. There will also be demonstrations of how to make specialty biscuits for local restaurants. October 14-16 will see the start of The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. One of the oldest cities in Mississippi, Natchez was established by the French on August 3, 1716 at Fort Rosalie. This site was originally occupied by the Natchez American Indian tribe. The Natchez’s birthday celebration will be held on Aug. 3. It will feature an opening ceremony and presentation by the principal chief from the Natchez nation. There will also be a dedication and ribbon cutting at Fort Rosalie, which has been under renovation. According to organizers, Natchez will host between 150,000 and 200,000 more people than its annual 648,000 guests. According to census data, Natchez had a population of 15,269 at mid-2014. The events were funded by grants, sponsors and in-kind donations. It is known for its many antebellum estates and mansions, including Rosalie Mansion and Longwood. Stanton Hall, Stanton Hall, Stanton Hall, Melrose are just a few. During the Fall Pilgrimage tour of Homes, September and October, some of these mansions will be available for visitors. According to the Mississippi Historical Society, Natchez was the richest city in America before the American Civil War. Because it was an established settlement on the Mississippi River, Natchez was selected as the capital of the Mississippi Territory. However, no capitol was built. According to the Historical Society, Natchez was also the most active state slave trading capital in the decades prior to the Civil War. Tricentennial events will also recognize the Civil Rights Era when activists were subject to violent repercussions. The Natchez Democrat was told by Civil Rights activists that tragic events sparked a local movement which opened doors for African-American leaders in Natchez and helped to shape a better community. Kelin Hendricks (Natchez Tricentennial Liaison) said that a Tricentennial event must be inclusive of all people, have a historical component, and not be restricted to any one group. It offers a wide variety of events that appeal to a broad audience. Many of the events that we plan are open to the public.” The events will help Natchez’ economy, but the anniversary has also inspired projects that will continue for years to come. They include restoration of an old railroad depot, and the display of historic fire trucks. Natchez Mayor Larry “Butch Brown stated that legacy projects will also include improvements to parks and trails, as well as golf courses. Brown stated that without this year, it is unlikely that we would have accomplished so many in such a short period of time. Brown stated that without this year, we probably wouldn’t have done as many in such a short time.