NATCHEZ — Put away the umbrellas and dig out the sunshades, it might actually dry up in time for weekend fun.

After a dreary two weeks, the forecast for the coming weekend is clear, sunny skies, while still cold.

Several events dot the calendar, and plenty of them will keep you warm indoors.

Friday Forum

The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s weekly Friday Forum will feature a discussion of city government beginning at 8 a.m.

Mayor Butch Brown and aldermen are the scheduled guests. The forum will end by 9 a.m. and will be at Natchez Coffee Company.

Team Impact

Highland Baptist Church is hosting the nationally known weightlifting team Friday-Sunday.

Team Impact features former athletes, body builders and strongmen who bend steel rods, rip phone books and break cement blocks while sharing a message of Jesus Christ’s love.

The shows will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at the church. The performances are free and open to the public and groups are welcome.

Downtown walking tour

The Natchez National Historical Park will host a free walking tour beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.

This week’s tour is titled, “The Great Natchez Tornado of 1840.”

The tour will start at the William Johnson House at 210 State St. It will last one hour.

Krewe of Vidal Mardi Gras parade

The first of the area’s three Mardi Gras parades will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Vidalia.

The parade, now in its second year, will line up at 1 p.m. near Vidalia Upper Elementary School. The route will continue onto Concordia Avenue to Louisiana Avenue before heading to Carter Street.

From Carter, the parade will turn at the high school onto Murray Drive and take Concordia Avenue back to Vidalia Upper.

Carter Street will be blocked off from 1:45 to 3 p.m.

Those hoping to participate in the parade can contact Cassandra Lynch at 318-518-7656.

Mardi Gras in Natchez

Those with invitations can party with their krewe of choice Saturday night.

The Krewe of Janus will celebrate with its annual Mardi Gras ball at 8 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center. The theme is Soul Train.

The Krewe of Phoenix will celebrate from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with their annual call-out ball at the Natchez City Auditorium.

The royal court will perform skits and dances to entertain the king, queen and crowd. The public can purchase tickets from krewe members.