NATCHEZ — A low-key weekend will offer locals a chance to take advantage of what’s around them.

Those feeling lonely or in need of a home alarm system can pick up a loyal buddy Saturday at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society’s “I’m a Big Dog Now!” adoption day.

The adoption event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Home Hardware on Seargent S. Prentiss Drive will showcase large dogs and adult dogs.

NACHS board member Kathy Fitch said the shelter is currently overloaded with large dogs.

“Any dogs adopted at this event will truly be lives saved,” Fitch said.

Shelter Manager Linda Kennon said the shelter has a variety of big dogs, including husky, golden retriever and Labrador mixes, that need good homes.

“A lot of times the big dogs are forgotten because everyone wants a puppy,” she said.

The adoption fee is $45. The humane society will schedule appointments for dogs that have not been spayed or neutered and inform new owners when they can pick up their dogs.

Raffle tickets for a medium-sized wire kennel donated by Home Hardware can be purchased at the event for $5. The kennel giveaway is a 3 p.m.

For more information call 601-442-4001.

The Natchez National Park Service will also begin free weekend walking tours this Saturday and Sunday of the William Johnson House and of the gardens and grounds of Melrose.

Steve Don, an NPS park guide, said guided outdoor tours will start at the William Johnson House at 10 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

This weekend’s tour, titled “The Civil War in Natchez,” will provide a history lesson on places like the Adams County Courthouse and Memorial Park.

Guided tours of the grounds and gardens at Melrose will start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Ferriday chapter of the NAACP is hosting “X-treme Praise Ministries of Alexandria” at 6 p.m. at the Arcade Theater for $5.

The event features a nonprofit community youth-centered ministry that uses puppets, drama interpretations, skits, mimes, praise worshipers and singing as its source of outreach.