NATCHEZ — The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and the entire Miss-Lou is ready for Christmas with a parade and party along with holiday fun everywhere.

The forecast for Friday is mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm. The predicted temperatures for the day are a high of 81 and a low of 71.

Saturday and Sunday are forecast to have some clouds, with rain on Sunday. On Saturday, temperatures are predicted to reach a high of 80 with a low of 73. Sunday’s temperatures will be slightly cooler, with a high of 79 and a low of 61.

Santa Claus Parade

Starting at approximately 8:30 a.m. today, Santa Claus and a convoy of cars will be traveling around the city, visiting and passing out candy.

“The kids love it, the adults love it and everybody seems to enjoy it,” Co-chair Johnny Byrne said.

The parade’s scheduled route starts by going through the Fatherland, Montebello, Eastbrook and Westover subdivisions. The first stop is 209 Arlington Ave., at 9:15 a.m.

Next, the parade will travel through the Dunkerron, Highland and The Trees subdivisions before stopping at 505 S. Commerce St., at 10:25 a.m.

While on its way to Braden School auditorium on Homochitto Street for the 11:15 a.m. Children’s Christmas Tree Fund distribution, the parade will pass through the Roselawn and Glenwood subdivisions. After lunch finishes around 1 p.m., it’s off to the Natchez Children’s Home at 1:15 p.m. and 160 D’Evereux Drive, at 2:15 p.m.

Finally, the parade will go through the Oakland, Brooklyn and Brookfield subdivisions before stopping at 27 Colony Drive, at 3:10 p.m. for invited guests only.

Walking Tours through Downtown from Rolling River Bistro

Anyone looking to burn off those extra calories after Christmas dinner can go on a walking tour of Natchez’s downtown area this weekend.

Rolling River Bistro is hosting downtown walking tours at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Jan. 1-2.

Tours start at the bistro and last approximately an hour and a half. Tickets cost $25 and include an alcoholic drink or beverage of choice.

To purchase tickets, contact Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at 601-446-6631.

Natchez Chapter of the Jackson State University Alumni Holiday Gala

The Natchez Chapter of the Jackson State University Alumni is hosting its first holiday gala this Saturday at the Natchez Community Center.

Guests at the event can enjoy dancing, live music and refreshments.

Tickets are $35 each. Proceeds from the event go to the chapter’s scholarship program, which lends a helping hand to local students planning on attending Jackson State University.

“We just want to encourage everybody to come out and have an enjoyable evening,” Chapter President William Blowe said.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 601-446-3608 or 601-304-1346.