By Mary Kathryn Carpenter

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Enjoy fireworks that will light up the sky, see a parade of decorated boats or adopt a furry four-legged friend this weekend in the Miss-Lou.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80s for most of the weekend and a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday.

Lake St. John Flotilla

Registration for the annual flotilla parade will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. with the blessing of the boats by the Rev. Louis Sklar and the parade to follow starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The flotilla is an annual event, set for the weekend closest to the Fourth of July, that raises money for charitable causes through the entrance fees for those who want to participate in the flotilla’s contest. Contestants are judged in the categories of patriotic, non-patriotic and small craft entries.

The parade will begin on the north end of Lake St. John led by Concordia Parish Sherriff Kenneth Hedrick, followed by Grand Marshall Rosco from 95 Country.

Donna Maroon encourages all participants to complete the parade circuit to be eligible to receive one of four prizes.

Maroon anticipates great decorations this year and urges people to come out to see the hard work of participants.

“All of the participants keep their ideas quiet,” Maroon said. “They are not supposed to tell so that it can be a surprise.”

Registration to participate is $10.

Family Fun Day

Come out to the Vidalia Riverfront Amphitheater Friday and Saturday for games, food, water slides a womanless beauty pageant and many other fun attractions.

Festivities kick of at 10 a.m. and last until dark.

One-day passes are $10 and two-day passes are $18.

Fireworks 

Friday night, the skies will be filled with a spectrum of fiery colors and the entire Miss-Lou community is invited to watch.

A 20-minute firework show will launch around 9 p.m. from a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River.

Spectators are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to line the bluffs on both sides of the river to witness the spectacle.

Admission is free.

Kitten and Cat Adoption

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society will be at Stine’s Saturday in hopes of finding forever homes for some furry felines.

The kitten and cat adoption will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m.

Adopt two kittens or cats for $35 or one for $35.

The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering.