Sunday evening, I sat back in amazement at what had happened, the weekend that had just taken place.

Over the weekend, I was witness to an event that for most was well off the radar, and for others was all they could think about.

The event, held at a place some would say is off the beaten path in Vicksburg, worked to attract more than 400 athletes and a thousand or so guests.

It was an event that helped fill hotel rooms and seats at restaurants. It was an event that saw visitors fill up with gas at local gas stations and I am sure there were a few guests who made their way to downtown and a few of our local stores.

I had a first hand, front row view of the annual Mardi Gras Classic gymnastics meet held at GymSouth. The event, held each year on the weekend before Mardi Gras day, not only attracted a huge crowd, but a crowd that saw visitors from nearly every corner of Mississippi, some from Arkansas and Louisiana.

As parents of one of those gymnasts who competed, there were some responsibilities Stephanie and I had. One of which was working the admission gate, welcoming those coming to watch their daughter, niece, granddaughter, friend, etc. compete during one of the 11 competitive sessions that spanned from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.

But, the three or so sessions that we worked paled in comparison to other volunteers who made the meet as successful as it was.

You might not know Kris and Ashley Pecanty, but if you were at GymSouth at any point in time during those three days, there is no doubt you saw them. In fact, I am pretty sure their cots were set up somewhere for them to sleep at the gym.

They helped organize us parents, putting us in the best place to help, ensuring the gymnasts, coaches, judges and guests were taken care of.

They fixed gym equipment on the fly and cleaned up spills and ensured ice chests were stocked with fresh ice and drinks.

Now that I think about it, there could be a very good case made that Kris and Ashley are just part of a set of twins or triplets that rotated in and out of the gym throughout the weekend.

And while it was Kris and Ashley, supported by a hoard of dedicated parents, who helped the meet run smoothly, there was the staff and coaches at GymSouth, led by owner and head coach Cherry Robbins, who ensured local athletes were trained and ready.

To them — all of them — thank you for what you did this weekend. Thank you for putting on an event that not only had an impact on those who there to compete and watch, but all of Vicksburg.

And, for those who did not have a chance to come by and view the competition, mark your calendar for next year. The weekend before Mardi Gras day will be an event that is worth flipping out about.

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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.