Basketball fans looking forward to March Madness will have an early opportunity to celebrate the basketball playoff season.

This weekend, Vicksburg’s Second Saturday returns from 2 to 5 p.m. with a free throw contest in the parking lot next to Cottonwood Public House, 1311 Washington St. The contest itself will take place toward the back of the parking lot and DJ Calvin Bouie will be playing from the parking lot’s stage.

In addition to Second Saturday events, there will be live music and food and beverage specials at Cottonwood Public House and The Biscuit Company.

Jenni Piazza Owen, Vicksburg native and Second Saturday volunteer, encourages the community to come downtown to enjoy the free event.

There will be two groups for the free throw competition: 12 and under and 13 and up. Registration for the contest is free and runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The contests start promptly at 3:30 p.m.

The winner of the 12 and under contest will receive a “Margaritaville Food & Fun Duo” card, which includes two hours of unlimited play with a meal and drink (tea or soda) at Landshark Bar & Grill, valued at $30. Some exclusions apply.

The winner of the 13 and up contest will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Biscuit Company and a free week-long membership at Planet Fitness.

Second Saturday volunteer Marcus Dufour said entries into the free throw contest are limited to 20 participants, so be sure to register close to 2 p.m. to ensure you have a spot.

Other Second Saturday activities include live music and vendors at The Watermark, 1415 Washington St. Live music will be provided by Remedy and vendors include Skywalker Photography, Bye Bye Bras, Abby Perry Art and Wingos Food Truck.

Owen also encourages those who are interested to reach out to Second Saturday volunteers to get involved.

“Vicksburg Second Saturday belongs to you,” she said. “It can be whatever Vicksburg wants it to be. We had a few months of bad weather, but we continue to gain momentum and we encourage local organizations, schools, merchants and any performing artist to reach out to us to get involved.”

Second Saturday is led by volunteers and is supported by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Program and the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. For questions or more information, visit the Facebook page @VicksburgSecondSaturday or contact vicksburg2ndsaturday@gmail.com.