"Famous Southern Families in Fiction and in Fact" is the theme of the eighth annual Natchez Literary Celebration to be held May 28-31.

"From the Lees of Virginia to the Longs of Louisiana, from the Ponders of Eudora Welty's fiction to the Snopeses in William Faulkner's, we'll learn a lot about real and fictitious families," promises Carolyn Vance Smith, conference cochairman.

The 1997 Celebration is a three-day conference that explores the literature, history, and culture of the Deep South. The lecture series will feature writers and scholars from across the country, including Will D. Campbell, Ellen Douglas, William Ferris, and Clifton Taulbert. This year's Richard Wright Literary Excellence Award will be presented to Elizabeth Spencer and Shelby Foote.

Conference participants may also opt to attend a theatre performance of Eudora Welty's The Ponder Heart, a showing of the film version of Taulbert's Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, or to take part in any of several tours, book signings, and receptions.

"Most of the lecture series is free, with tours to historic homes and buildings, the film, the play and social events priced individually at low cost," Smith said. Tickets are available by calling Natchez Box Office (800-862-3259). Complete ticket packages cost $100, with a special package at $395, which includes all tickets, four nights' lodging, and 11 meals, May 28-June 1.