NATCHEZ — A weekend meant for cuddling with your valentine will kick off early for many, with events starting tonight.

Temperatures will be cooler than in recent weeks, but still pleasant and near 60 for most of the weekend. Skies should be sunny.

Festival of Music Guild gala

The Natchez Festival of Music Guild will sponsor a Valentine’s Day Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. today.

The event will be at The Bailey House, 400 S. Commerce St.

Musical performances by vocalist Lynn Beach Smith and pianist Sam Bruton will highlight the event.

Hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The night will also include a live auction, which includes trips.

Tickets are $50 and proceeds go to benefit the Natchez Festival of Music, which starts in May.

Friday Forum

This week’s forum, sponsored by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, will feature speakers from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Air Evac Lifeteam.

The event starts at 8 a.m. at Natchez Coffee Company on Franklin Street and is open to the public.

The Art of Carving and

Engraving

Historic Jefferson College will sponsor a demonstration on carving and engraving from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Richard Horne will demonstrate the use of hand tools to perform the art.

The event is free to the public.

Financial Empowerment

Summit

The Southwest Mississippi Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women will sponsor a financial seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum.

The event is part of the local Black History Month celebrations.

The seminar will include presentations on planning for retirement, mortgages, real estate investment, insurance and other topics.

No registration is required.