As far as Kim Hopkins is concerned, Vicksburg can “let the good times roll” this afternoon at the annual downtown Mardi Gras parade.

The event, called Latin Carnivale, will go on despite the blast of winter weather that has hit Vicksburg, said Hopkins, director of Vicksburg’s Main Street program.

If you go

• Latin Carnivale — Noon-2 p.m.: free activities at River Stage Plaza; 2 p.m.: parade along Washington Street.

• Ball — 8 p.m. at Southern Cultural Heritage Center; tickets: $35 in advance until 5 p.m. at Paper Plus, 1318 Washington St., or $40 at the door.

“We’ll do what we have to do, but I think (the weather) will be OK,” Hopkins said late Friday.

The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high around 45 by 2 p.m., when the parade is set to roll along Washington Street. Tonight’s low will fall into the 30s, the National Weather Service in Jackson said.

Today’s festivities will kick off at noon at River Stage plaza, at Washington and Crawford streets. Children’s activities, including a moon jump and mask-making center, will be offered, as well as live music by a mariachi band.

Washington Street will be closed beginning at noon, from Belmont to Jackson streets, Hopkins said. After the parade, float awards will be given for Best in Show, Best Nonprofit, Best Business, Most Original and Most Enthusiastic.

“Everyone is excited,” Hopkins said.

Tonight, revelers can carry on the fun at the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation’s eighth annual Mardi Gras ball at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

“We’re hoping everyone will come out,” said Nancy Bell, director of the foundation, for which the ball is a fundraiser.

Country-music band The Colonels will entertain at the 8 p.m. event. Advance tickets for $35 are available until 5 p.m. at Paper Plus, 1318 Washington St., or admission is $40 at the door.

The only Mardi Gras event canceled was a mask-making workshop for kids Friday at the SCHC.

Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com