There are many who live in this community who complain that there is nothing doing to do here or that they have to travel to Madison or Jackson to find entertaining things to do over the weekend.

We hope those naysayers will stay in town this Friday and Saturday to enjoy the many festivities going on right here in Vicksburg and the immediate surrounding areas. There is so much going on, in fact, that it would be impossible to enjoy all the festivities and options of things to do over the weekend.

The fun-filled weekend kicks off Friday with the Art Association Christmas Party, hosted from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Old Consitution Firehouse Gallery, 1204 Main St. All are invited to attend and tickets can be purchased at the door for $35.

The inaugural Reindeer Run 5k benefiting Paws Rescue starts at 8 a.m. Saturday. Registration is open up until 7:45 a.m. that morning with racers meeting at the Margaritaville Landshark Bar & Grill, 1300 Levee St. The 5k and 1-mile fun run will end with a post-race party and holiday pet parade.

Those lucky enough to scoop up a ticket will enjoy the ever-popular Pajamas, Pancakes & Planes event put on by the Southern Heritage Air Foundation in Tallulah. For those who could not get a ticket, seats are still available at the Vicksburg Convention Center’s Annual Breakfast with Santa event next Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.

Late afternoon, the Downtown Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights will start at Belmont & Washington St. and travel all the way to Jackson St. With lots of floats and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, this is something you don’t want to miss.

After the parade, head over to Christmas in the Park to enjoy the lights and carousel or to the Vicksburg Convention Center to enjoy sounds from the V101.5 Caroling Contest, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the contest is $5 per person.

With a host of other events like live entertainment at area casinos, restaurants and bars, holiday open houses and sporting events at Sports Force Parks on the Mississippi, you are sure to be well entertained right here at home this weekend.