NATCHEZ — Natchez will light up Friday as Christmas in Natchez brings holiday cheer to the area.

Sunny and partially cloudy skies will take up the weekend with a high of 74 degrees Sunday.

Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off and Natchez Christmas Tree Lighting

Christmas in Natchez will begin Friday during the annual Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off and the lighting of the Natchez Christmas Tree on South Commerce and Main streets.

A variety of teams will compete in the cook-off including:

Jim Anderson from Spice Thyme Catering, Michael Gore and his brother Jason Gore of Rolling River Bistro with a family recipe, Allison Richard — Monmouth Historic Inn & Restaurant 1818, Paul DiCapo of Opelousas and more.

Gumbo tasting kits are $10 each. The funds raised will go toward the maintenance of the Natchez Christmas lights.

Gumbo will be ready to serve from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The kickoff will also include a children’s village, holiday music, and a pyrotechnics show, featuring snow, following the lighting of the tree.

The children’s village will open at 3 p.m. and will include a train, mechanical bull, an obstacle ourse and a rock wall. The village is free to the public, but a release form is required to sign before participating.

The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., with Christmas carols led by Alvin Shelby and the community choir.

Hot chocolate, cookies, and pictures with Santa will be available in the lobby of Home Bank on Main Street.

Commerce Street will close at 1 p.m. as the gumbo is prepared.

Cancer Benefit for Wrecker Adams

A cancer benefit for Wrecker Adam will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Landing in Monterey on 173 Par Road 5b 26.

A Jambalaya cook-off will begin at 1 p.m. with a $30 entry fee, a poker tournament at 3 p.m. with a $75 entry fee and fish dinners will be sold for $10 at 2 p.m.

A silent auction from 1 to 4 p.m. will go on throughout the event.