NATCHEZ — The commemoration of a civil rights tragedy highlights Natchez’s weekend events.

The weather is predicted to be sunny, with temperature highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid to high 50s.

Parchman Ordeal 50th anniversary commemoration

Starting Friday, Natchez will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Parchman Ordeal. On Oct. 2, 1965, approximately 700 civil rights activists were arrested in Natchez after meeting to discuss marching in protest of the denial of their right to vote.

The charge was parading without a permit, although the march never actually took place. Approximately 200 protesters were taken to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman where they were mistreated and abused.

Beulah Baptist Church on B Street, where the protesters met before being arrested, will have a reenactment at 10 a.m. Friday, and a reconciliation banquet at 6 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center. Tickets for the banquet are available for $20 at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center until 3 p.m. Friday.

Saturday, a discussion on reconciliation, restoration and retooling will be at 10 a.m. at the Natchez Convention Center, followed by a National Park Service Symposium at 3 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church’s Fellowship Hall.

The final event will be a restoration church service at 2 p.m. Sunday at Beulah.

Concert at Auburn

Dust off your lawn chairs and prepare to hear the music of bygone era 5:30 p.m. Friday as Auburn Antebellum Home hosts its second annual evening entertainment.

Guests will have a chance to hear Burnley Cook performing music from the steamboat era, as well as sample mint juleps and finger foods on the lawn of the Antebellum home. All proceeds will be used for the 1830 kitchen restoration.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased by calling Auburn at 601-442-5981, at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center or the event.

Friday night football

All Natchez’s high school teams will be hitting the road this week. Adams County Christian School will go up against Columbia Academy and Cathedral will face the University Academy of CENLA. Natchez High School will be playing Laurel High School while Trinity will be at Riverdale Academy.

Many of the Louisiana teams will be travelling too, with Delta Charter at St. Frederick and Vidalia High School at Avoyelles. Ferriday High School will have the only home game as they face Washington-Marion.

All games start at 7 p.m.

Monica’s Hope Second Annual Cancer Walk

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to exercise for a good cause at Monica’s Hope Second Annual Cancer Walk Saturday.

All proceeds from the walk will be used to assist local cancer patients with doctors’ visits, treatments and other expenses.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the bluffs with the walk beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is $10 per person.

For more information, call 601-443-7998.

Ribbon cutting at Jack Waite Park

After months of construction, the ribbon will finally be cut on the new and improved Jack Waite Park at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Regional Project Coordinator for Project CHANGE Shamir Gates said the park will have refurbished and new equipment. Gates said some equipment was installed specifically for children.

“We’re hoping it will draw more families, just give them a safe environment to be more physically active,” Gates said.

Visitors are welcome to browse the new additions and, later, help to plant a fall vegetable garden. Other activities, giveaways and refreshments will also be available.

The park is located near the intersection of St. Catherine and Sixth Streets.