Happiness is coming home.

That’s the motto of the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club — an organization made up of Vicksburg natives who have left town and those who still reside in Vicksburg who raise money for those in need.

The benevolent club’s 41st annual homecoming is scheduled for this weekend starting Thursday and ending Sunday.

“We’re very pleased with everything that’s going on, with the excitement of everyone, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of Vicksburgers coming back home,” president Willie Glasper said.

The kickoff social will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion Post #213 with entertainment supplied by a disc jockey.

“It’s just basic fellowship and welcoming everybody home,” Glasper said.

The weekend continues at 8 p.m. Friday with a wine and cheese hour, and a social at 9 p.m. at St. Mary’s Center, located at the corner of Main and Second North streets.

The festivities continue at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Rowan Sanders/Harry Powell Memorial Golf Tournament at Clear Creek GolF Course in Bovina and a scholarship brunch at St. Mary’s Center with speaker Trena Warren. The dinner-dance banquet will also be held at St. Mary’s Center at 7 p.m. Saturday with entertainment from Lady L and The River City Band. The Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Humanitarian of the Year and Business of the Year will be named.

The club will also recognize the 13 local high schools students who received scholarships from the organization in 2016 as well as the winners of an oratorical and essay competition the club sponsored for high school and junior high students.

“Everyone reaps the benefits because it goes back into the community,” Glasper said.

Members of the club’s three chapters, located in Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, help raise money. A farewell worship service will be at Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1416 Jackson St., at 10 a.m. and a fellowship reception will be held at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post No. 213. Glasper said there is a misconception that the weekend celebration is only for people coming back to town, but he said the events are open to locals just as much as others to reunite with each other.

Tickets for the entire weekend are $30 and can be purchased at any of the events or from any benevolent club member.