NATCHEZ — Christmas in Natchez will kick off Friday with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, but plenty of other events will keep the holiday season going throughout the weekend.

Sunny skies are forecast for a majority of the weekend, but cooler temperatures will remain in the area.

Christmas in Natchez 

The fifth-annual turkey gumbo cook-off and the lighting of the Christmas tree Friday will officially kick off Christmas in Natchez at the corner of South Commerce and Main streets.

The event will also include a children’s fun fair and holiday music.

The fair will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the cook-off at 5 p.m. and the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

The holiday events continue Sunday with a brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dunleith.

Christmas parade

The Vidalia Christmas parade hits the streets at 3 p.m. Sunday, and there is still time for holiday fans to participate.

Lineup for the parade, which is sponsored by the Vidalia Women’s Club, begins at 1 p.m. at Vidalia Upper Elementary.

The parade will begin rolling on Carter Street near the Christmas tree and proceed west toward Vidalia High School.

It is free to enter, and monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place entries. There is no charge to ride.

Those interested can call Holly Knapp at 601-807-7720.

This year’s theme is “Sing a Song.”

Harvest of Plenty

The seventh annual Harvest of Plenty dinner will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at 80 Aldrich St., across the street from Williams Apartments.

Plates of food will be available for those in need.

For more information, call 601-445-4210.

Hooping for Jesus

The Pilgrim Baptist Church Missionary Society will host the fifth-annual three-day “Hooping for Jesus” basketball tournament at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Multiple age groups for teams are available and the cost to register per team is $45.

For more information, call 601-660-1220 or 601-807-5029.

Kitten adoption day

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society will host a kitten adoption day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Natchez Mall theater entrance.

The price of adopting an animal — $35 for two kittens and $25 for one kitten — incudes spaying and neutering costs.