Despite a drizzle during the pre-fireworks concert, the City of Vicksburg’s fireworks show happened as planned shortly after the sun set Saturday.

The concert and fireworks provides an opportunity for the city to give back, city parks and recreation director Joe Graves said.

“We want to try to bring the community together to enjoy a free concert and a nice fireworks display on the Fourth of July,” he said. “It’s just something the city can do to give back.”

The festivities are also a way for the city to showcase the changes that are taking place in the downtown area. It’s a way to draw tourists and locals alike to an area that is once again becoming the vibrant center of our community.

“It brings in people in from all over,” Graves said. “It gives them a good opportunity to see what Vicksburg is all about.”

Drew Tran of Alexandria, La,. said she enjoyed her first trip to Vicksburg.

“I came here to experience the true essence of Vicksburg and to watch fireworks,” she said. “There are a lot of beautiful, historic areas.”

The turnout of an estimated 5,000 people was lower than years past and the weather was largely to blame for that.

Besides having a cooling effect the rain also had another pleasant side effect.

“I loved the weather because there were no mosquitos, and I didn’t get hot and sweaty,” Vicksburg native Taylor DeRossette.

Thomas said the fireworks were impressive.

“It was fun to bring friends from out of town who had never seen what our city has to offer,” Cody Thomas, of Vicksburg said. “I guess I kind of took it for granted growing up here.”

We are lucky to have a fireworks display and the city is to be commended for such a fantastic show. The parks and recreation department works hard to ensure an entertaining family friendly event takes place.

What a great way to showcase our beautiful city.