While the weather forecast for the weekend shows a good chance of rain, that is no reason to sit at home. This weekend offers far too many great things to do and too much good music in the plan.

Starting tonight, the area festival with perhaps the longest title gets under way.

The Great Big Yam Potatoes Old-Time Music Gathering and Fiddle Contest will begin at 6 p.m. at Historic Jefferson College, either on the grounds (weather permitting) or inside.

The annual music festival is a treat for bluegrass music fans or anyone who loves having a fun time and enjoys real, grassroots music.

We applaud the Mississippi Fiddlers Association for sponsoring the event, which continues through Saturday as well as the staff of Historic Jefferson College for hosting the event. It’s always great fun for all, and we encourage residents to attend, particularly if you’ve never been before.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday with a special presentation of Fairy Tales in Music, the Natchez Festival of Music will continue their month-long series of performances. Saturday morning’s show at Jefferson Street Methodist Church is aimed at entertaining young and old alike, but particularly geared toward children. It is free and open to the public.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, the festival will present Camelot at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center on Homochitto Street. Tickets will range from $30 for adults to $10 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, accompanied by an adult.

The festival brings amazing talent, right to our community and is among Natchez’s best events.

We hope you enjoy the weekend and venture out — even if it’s raining — to enjoy the amazing sounds that will occur in our community today and Saturday.