UPDATE: Due to inclement weather in the forecast for Saturday, the Natchez Tricentennial Heritage Holiday Parade has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

NATCHEZ — This weekend’s weather forecast might look frightful, but a few of Santa’s helpers are hoping the skies stay delightful for a parade of holiday revelry in downtown Natchez.

The Natchez Tricentennial Heritage Holiday Parade is set for 4 p.m. Saturday. The annual holiday parade has been expanded this year in celebration of the tricentennial and is the last major event before the 300th birthday year comes to a close with the Unity, Prayer and Praise Celebration on Dec. 31.

Tricentennial Liaison Kelin Hendricks said the parade has a few special touches this year in celebration of the tricentennial.

“We hope everyone is able to join us for Natchez’s Christmas parade celebrating the tricentennial,” Hendricks said. “We have added a few elements to make this year’s festivities extra special. We’ve also planned the parade earlier than usual so families and friends are able to enjoy the Christmas decorations, shops and restaurants after the event.”

The parade will feature 30 floats as well as local officials and guests of honor.

Special guests Hutke Fields, principal chief and Great Sun of the Natchez Nation, and other Native Americans will participate in the parade.

Residents featured in the National Park Service’s Natchez History Minute Project are also invited to march in the parade.

The Miss-Lou Veterans Coalition Honor Guard will lead the parade, which will feature bands from Natchez High and middle schools, Vidalia High School and Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

The parade will line up beginning at 2 p.m. on Broadway Street. The parade will go down Broadway Street, up Orleans to Canal, down Canal to Main, up Main to Union, cross Union to Franklin and go down Franklin to end back on Broadway.

The Natchez Police Department is requesting cars parked on the streets on the parade route be moved by noon Saturday. Any cars remaining on the street at 2 p.m. will be towed.

Rain is forecasted for Saturday, and parade organizer Kari Blaney said a decision will be made at noon Saturday on whether the parade will happen as scheduled.

Announcements will be made on First Natchez Radio Group stations as well as social media.

Across the river, the Vidalia Christmas parade scheduled for Sunday has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.