Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) - A Mississippi Main Street Designated Community
DNA Presents the 1st Annual Sallie Junkin Ballard “Keep Natchez Blooming” Award presented at Celebrate The Blooms Bash

July 08, 2022

The Downtown Natchez Alliance, as part of the 4th Annual Natchez Crepe Myrtle Festival, announced the winners of the 1st Annual Sallie Junkin Ballad “Keep Natchez Blooming” Award. The presentation was part of the festival opening bash at Locust Alley on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 5:30pm.

This year, the award was presented to Marcia McCullough of Garden Lovers of Natchez, for the Downtown Natchez Hanging Flower Baskets Project, and to Rita Tebbetts and Monroe Sago, Adams County Master Gardeners for their efforts on Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale Treatment and Education.

The Winners

Adams County Master Gardeners Rita Tebbetts and Monroe Sago.
L to R: DNA Exec. Director Diane DuPont and Marcia McCullough
Marcia McCullough with Garden Lovers of Natchez members, Sherry Jones and Marcia Passman.

Presentation on Crepe Myrtle Scale Blight

Also at the event, award winners and Adams County Master Gardeners Rita Tebbets and Monroe Sago, had a presentation for the ongoing diagnosis, treatment, and care of Crepe Myrtle Scale Blight in Natchez.

Adams County Master Gardener Monroe demonstrates how to treat Crepe Myrtle trees for Bark Scale.
Adams County Master Gardener Monroe Sago demonstrates how to treat Crepe Myrtle trees for Bark Scale.
Adams County Master Gardener Monroe Sago demonstrates how to treat Crepe Myrtle trees for Bark Scale.

Farmers Market Kids Activities

The Natchez Crepe Myrtle Festival tent at the Natchez Farmers Markets has more information on this year’s festival, in addition to children’s activities that should be fun for all!

Thanks to the DNA volunteers who are manning our tent: Norma West, Michael Pace, Taylor and Andi Cooley.

Photo by Taylor Cooley
Photo By Taylor Cooley
DECISION ’25: The Natchez Pet Mayor Race Is On As Polls Open

DECISION ’25: The Natchez Pet Mayor Race Is On As Polls Open

Apr 1, 2025

Voting has begun in our first ever Natchez Pet Mayor Election. Our polls are open starting today, April 1st through April 26th, 2025. You can vote online at NatchezPetMayor.com or in-person for those with Campaign HQs. CAST YOUR VOTES! Votes are just $5 each and you...

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New Year, New Event: Natchez Pet Mayor Program

New Year, New Event: Natchez Pet Mayor Program

Jan 29, 2025

The Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) is thrilled to announce our newest annual event, the inaugural Natchez Pet Mayor Election. The proceeds of this fun community fundraiser benefit DNA's efforts to make our downtown district a more vibrant and pet-friendly...

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New Board Members and Officers Announced at Annual Meeting

New Board Members and Officers Announced at Annual Meeting

Jan 21, 2025

During our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Downtown Natchez Alliance welcomed our newest officers and directors to our Board of Directors. Norma West, who has previously served as president-elect and chair of our MLK Triangle Team, has now stepped into...

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