In July 2000, for the first time ever, the annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference will host a group of students registered through the international Elderhostel program.

"We are delighted to offer this program," said Carolyn Vance Smith, president of Educational Travel Associates of Natchez and coordinator of the Faulkner/Elderhostel program for the Southeastern Regional Elderhostel office. Smith, until recently regional director of Elderhostel for Mississippi and Arkansas, currently develops new programs for the national and regional offices of the nonprofit organization.

"The Faulkner conference partnership is ideal for Elderhostel," Smith said. "Participants will attend the entire conference as well as have special Elderhostel-only sessions led by Faulkner experts. And, just for fun, we'll try our hand at writing entries for the Faux Faulkner contest," she said. "Who knows? Maybe an Elderhosteler will win it next year."

The Elderhostel/Faulkner program, designed for people 55 years old or older of any educational level, is called "From Yoknapatawpha with Love: Faulkner Then, Now, and Always," reflecting the conference theme, "Faulkner in the 21st Century."

Cost of the program is $750 per person. The price includes the conference registration fee, lodging for five nights at the Alumni Center Hotel (double occupancy), all meals from supper July 23 through lunch July 28, field trips, and off-campus transportation. A limited number of single-occupancy rooms are available at extra cost.

Registration information about the Elderhostel package is available by calling 601-446-1208 or writing P.O. Box 1307, Natchez, MS 39121.