NATCHEZ — Christmas is just around the corner, and events this weekend will only confirm that the holiday season is upon us.

Christmas in Natchez — Friday

Get Christmas kicked-off Friday in Natchez with a 5 p.m. blues performance of Osgood and Blaque, followed by the lighting of the tree ceremony at 7 p.m. on Main and Commerce streets in downtown Natchez.

– A turkey gumbo cook-off will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tables and tasting bowls will be provided.

Admission to the cook-off is free to the public and $5 for five samples of gumbo.

Miss-Lou Bowling to Feed the Needy

The Natchez High School Alumni Association is looking to knock down hunger, one pin at a time.

The first Miss-Lou Bowling to Feed the Needy fundraising event will be from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m Friday at Rivergate Bowl.

With the donation of two non-perishable food items, each bowler will be given a discounted rate of $6 per game per person, which includes shoe rental.

People are asked to form groups of four or be willing to be randomly assigned to a team in order to participate in the bowling tournament.

The donations will be given to various food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, churches and other non-profit organizations working to fight hunger in the community.

Turkey Trot

Runners and walkers are hitting the streets Saturday for the second annual Turkey Trot.

Race day registration will be at 8 a.m. the day of the race at the bluff, and prices will be $25 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run.

Both races will start and end on the Natchez bluff near the gazebo. The 5K will start at 9 a.m. and the fun run will kick off at 10 a.m.

Proceeds will help the Christmas in Natchez nonprofit group fund downtown Christmas light displays, trot organizer David Carter said.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 601-445-4611.

Ronnie Milsap live

Ronnie Milsap, an American country music singer and pianist, will perform live at 8 p.m. Saturday at Natchez City Auditorium.

Milsap became country music’s first well-known blind singer, and one of the most successful and versatile country “crossover” singers of his time. His appeal to both country and pop music markets has earned him six Grammy Awards and 40 No. 1 country hits, third to George Strait and Conway Twitty.

Admission is $20. For tickets, call the Isle of Capri Hotel at 800-722-5825.

Natchez book party

Twelve of the exhibiting members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi shed their inhibitions and their clothes to benefit their favorite cause: bringing “exposure” to their craft and the Mississippi Craft Center.

A calendar signing by three of the calendar pinups will be at Natchez Coffee Company, 409 Franklin St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Lunch will include an entrée, dessert, tax and gratuity for $12. Lunch reservations may be made by calling 601-445-5752 or info@c2cbooks.com.

Artisans who will be signing calendars and discussing their art are Michelle Cleveland, paper; Debby DeLashmet, stained glass and Terry Merritt, doll maker.

Christmas in Natchez — Saturday

– The annual lighting of the Natchez bluff will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. See the Natchez bluff illuminated and enjoy a community street dance party by Coastal Entertainment.

– Fireworks over the river will begin 30 minutes after sunset.