NATCHEZ — The final Miss-Lou Mardi Gras parade will make its way through Natchez Friday, but plenty of other events will keep the good times rolling throughout the weekend.

Sunny skies are forecast for a majority of the weekend with temperatures beginning to rise into the 70s by Saturday.

Archaeology program

The Concordia Parish Library will present an archaeology program “Digging into the Past” featuring Pete Gregory and Nancy Hawkins at 6 p.m. today at the Vidalia Library.

Gregory is a professor of anthropology at Northwestern State University and will give a presentation on northeast Louisiana archaeology and artifacts.

Library Director Amanda Taylor said Gregory grew up in Concordia Parish, and the library attempts to bring him to the area once a year for an archaeology program.

“He always says it’s like coming back home when he’s here,” Taylor said. “It’s important to know about your surroundings, of the history of how our state came to be and how our area developed, and Dr. Gregory gives such an excellent presentation.”

Hawkins is a part of the Louisiana office of cultural development division of archaeology and will accompany Gregory during the presentation.

The event is free and open to the public.

Friday forum

This week’s topic includes a presentation from representatives of the Miss-Lou Regionalism Steering Committee.

The weekly forum begins at 8 a.m. at Natchez Coffee Company.

Mardi Gras parade

The Krewe of Phoenix parade will start at 5 p.m. Friday and include more than 30 floats rolling through downtown Natchez.

The parade will line up on Broadway Street, and no non-parade parking will be permitted throughout the day.

The parade will go down Canal Street then up Main Street to Rankin Street then down Franklin Street back to Broadway Street.

Trophies for first, second and third place floats are awarded by a panel of judges.

Gospel Praisefest

Heartsong Co. will present Your Voice Matters (YVM) Gospel Praisefest at 7 p.m. Friday at New Hope The Vision Center.

Your Voice Matters is a talent showcase designed to enrich the lives of aspiring artists and celebrate the contributions of community leaders who are making a difference in the lives of others.

The showcase will feature 11 of the area’s best choir directors.

YVM will present a community service award to Adams County Supervisor David Carter and the Inspiring Education Award to West Elementary School Principal Alice Morrison.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information regarding participation or other YVM inquires, visit heartsongco.com or call 601-884-0238.

Mardi Gras masked gala

The Natchez Downtown Development Association will present its annual Mardi Gras masked gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday.

NDDA President Pj Forrest said the event is the association’s main fundraiser and is vital in helping keep its doors open.

“We’ve been unfunded for quite some time, so this is really the only way we can survive,” Forrest said. “As of now, this is our only fundraiser all year.”

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets are available for advanced purchase at Toby Salon, M. Schon Gallery, Moreton’s Flower Land, Turning Pages and the Natchez Convention Center.

Local musicians Speakeasy will provide entertainment.

Cocktail attire is preferred, and the event will include a cash bar, elegant hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Masks will be available for purchase at the door.