NATCHEZ — Kickball isn’t just for children — at least not this weekend.

Natchezians gathered at Duncan Park Saturday for a day of beer, burgers and playground competition as Leadership Natchez hosted its annual kickball tournament, which doubles as a fundraising event.

“This has really become a tradition, and something Natchez looks for,” Leadership Natchez Class of 2015-2016 Treasurer Lauren Burns said. “It has become something they look forward to, and it’s not something you get to play very often as adult.”

The funds from the tournament — which had nine teams — are dedicated to the Natchez-Adams Humane Society. Burns said she expected between $4,000 and $5,000 would be raised throughout the course of the day.

Leadership Natchez is a year-long program under the auspices of the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce, and is focused on developing and retaining leadership amongst professionals in the community.

This year’s Leadership Natchez class chose the Humane Society for the fundraiser after completing a day dedicated to learning about the area’s charities, Burns said.

“The Humane Society was a group that needed money and would appreciate it,” Burns said. “They have supported this, and we know that when we give it to them, it will be going to a good cause.”

Leadership Natchez Class of 2016 President Rico Giani said he was pleased with the turnout Saturday, and the Humane Society was a good choice for the proceeds because — while it has opened a new shelter — it is still in the process of stocking its new building.

“We are having a lot of fun out here, and we’re raising a substantial amount of money while still hosting a family-friendly environment,” he said. “We hope to leave a little better and improve from where we were last year, and that is what Leadership Natchez is about, leaving that foundation for improvement.”