NATCHEZ — The good times will roll this weekend as Mardi Gras Parades sweep across the Miss-Lou.

A temperature drop is expected Friday with a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.

Mardi Gras Parades

Natchez and Vidalia will host their annual Mardi Gras Parades this weekend, while Ferriday will host its Mardi Gras Parade for the first time.

The annual Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade, led by Grand Marshall Scott “Jimmy Cricket” Smith, will be at 5 p.m. Friday in downtown Natchez.

More than 40 entrants will participate in the parade, tossing beads, doubloons and cups for attendees to catch.

Rex XXXIII Billy Ulmer and Rosalie XXXIII Lisa Mayers will rule over the parade with assistance from their royal court.

This year, Pleasant Acres Day Care will enter the parade with a “Throw Back Float.”

The parade will travel on Canal, Main and Franklin streets.

The Vidalia Mardi Gras Parade will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday on Carter Street.

Organizer Cassandra Lynch said the parade will have floats, bands, dance groups, businesses, churches and Krewe’s.

“We would like to thank the City of Vidalia, especially the Vidalia Police Department, Mayor, and Sheri Rabb, who is over the public relations and marketing department.

“They are instrumental in making this a fun, safe parade.”

Lynch said Vidalia is fortunate to be in the middle of the Miss-Lou, drawing crowds from both Natchez and Vidalia.

Line up begins at 2 p.m. at Vidalia Upper Elementary.

Ferriday will host its first Mardi Gras parade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The parade will begin at Ferriday High School, travel down E.E. Wallace Boulevard, turn left by Kentucky Fried Chicken, turn left on First Street until it reaches Louisiana Avenue, go to the main intersection, come up E.E. Wallace Boulevard and conclude at Ferriday High School.

The organizer for the parade, Ferriday Police Chief Derrick Freeman, said he decided Ferriday should have its first Mardi Gras parade in a meeting some time ago.

“Every Monday we have a mandatory meeting,” Freeman said. “I thought since we have a lot of people from New Orleans, we should do a Mardi Gras Parade.”

Freeman said he wants to give back to the community.

“No one never wants to talk about the positive things we do in this city,” Freeman said. “We are trying to promote love and peace.”

Freeman said there is no entry fee and those who wish to participate can report to Ferriday High School at 4:30 p.m. for line up.

“We are open for floats, dance teams and things that will just fascinate the children,” Freeman said.

Balloon Release on Bluff

Chantel Marsaw, founder of “It Still Takes a Village to Raise Our Children,” and others will gather at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Natchez Bluff for a balloon release.

The balloon release will recognize members of the community on Valentine’s Day who has lost a loved one.

Black History Music Celebration

A Black History Music Celebration will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday at Club Mirrors on 43 Wilderness Road in Natchez.

“We want to celebrate southern soul in honor of black history,” event promoter Alea Anjanette said.

The event is $20 at the door and will feature live music from local artist Lil’ Poochie.

Food, including chicken and garlic sausage, will also be available.

“We are looking for the public to come out and support Black History,” Anjanette said.

Additionally, Club Mirrors will host a zodico and R&B music block from 8 to 11 p.m. for $10 to honor Black History month.

Food will be served.

Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District’s free seedling giveaway

The Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District, along with other local sponsors, will give away free loblolly pine seedlings to the public from 7 a.m. to noon Friday at the USDA Service Center on 110 Northgate Road in Natchez.

Pilgrimage Garden Club’s February meeting

The Pilgrimage Garden Club will have its February meeting, which will feature cocktails and a special dinner and Civil War program, at 6 p.m. today at the Carriage House Restaurant.

Mimi Miller, executive director of the Historic Natchez Foundation, will present an illustrated program titled “The Civil War: Photographs of Occupied Natchez.”

The meeting will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. at Stanton Hall and a three-course dinner will follow at the Carriage House Restaurant. A cash bar will be available and dinner is $35.

Friday Forum

The Friday Forum will take place at 8 a.m. Friday at the Natchez Coffee Company on Franklin Street. The topic will feature an update on the Humane Society.