Photo Credit: Katherine De’Na Parker / KD Public Relations / @KatThePRPrac

9 Awards Were Presented on June 27, 2026 as Part of “Natchez Celebrates The Blooms“

The Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) once again presented their annual “Sallie Junkin Ballard Keep Natchez Blooming” Awards during the “Celebrate The Blooms Bash” held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Smoot’s Grocery in Downtown Natchez.

This year, the event coincided with the 100th birthday of the award’s namesake–Sallie Junkin Ballard. A passionate gardener and civic leader, Ballard left an enduring legacy…and many crepe myrtles.

The presentation was hosted by Elizabeth Greer, DNA Board President, Norma West, Past DNA Board President, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, and DNA Executive Director Chesney Doyle. Returning again for the awards ceremony this year was Ballard’s granddaughter, Sophie Nord, joined by her brother, Watson.

Nord addressed the audience speaking on Ballard’s impact on Natchez, saying “her vision of planting 2,000 crepe myrtles by the year 2000 became something larger than she ever imagined. Today, we celebrate not only my grandmother’s legacy, but the people who continue her work through acts of stewardship, creativity, hospitality, and service.”

The 2026 Honorees ARE:

• Mimi Miller, the Director Emeritus for the Natchez Historic Foundation, was honored with the Legacy Award for a lifetime devoted to preserving and protecting the historic fabric of Downtown Natchez and beyond, while elevating preservation as a path to progress.
• Concordia Bank & Trust Co. received a Beautification Award for exemplary activation of the streetscape through seasonal beautification of the sidewalk at the Downtown branch on Main Street.
• Rosalie Mansion & Gardens, maintained by the Mississippi State Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, received a Beautification Award for their devoted stewardship of iconic and historic oak trees along Canal Street inspiring civic pride.
• Barbara Hanley was presented with a Placemaking Award for leading the way to a more connected Downtown through the design and approval of a Wayfinding Signage System.
• Trinity Episcopal Church was commended with a Placemaking Award for reimagining the church steps, Fred Callon Garden, the city sidewalk and street as a public gathering space–where strangers become friends.
• Fred Marsalis, founder of MDP Reach, received a Placemaking Award for building unity through mental health, fitness, & fellowship events throughout Downtown Natchez.
• The non-profit, Pretty Girls With Brains, was presented with a Placemaking Award for soaring to new heights and inspiring youth with the Natchez Kite Festival on the Bluff.
• ArtsNatchez Gallery and their Second Saturday events were commended with a Placemaking Award for opening doors to creativity, connection, and community by placing art at the heart of Downtown.
• Sharon Brown and Natchez Coffee Company received a Placemaking Award for brewing community, connection, and civic engagement through hospitality and generosity