With lower gas prices and the Fourth falling one day away from the weekend, experts estimate a record 49 million Americans will travel this year to celebrate Independence Day.

That statistic reminds me we’re fortunate to live where we have plenty of options for celebrating at home.

Thursday’s forecast for partly cloudy skies will open doors for families to enjoy the splash pad downtown, a day at the pool, an afternoon barbecue and other outdoor activities. The city of Vicksburg also has plenty of things planned to keep you entertained that evening.

From 70’s and 80’s rock cover band Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster hitting the stage in front of The Old Depot Museum at 7 p.m. to food vendors setting up along Levee and Washington Streets, and the state’s longest running fireworks show two hours later, Vicksburg and Warren County residents have a solid lineup of things to do on the evening of the Fourth.

Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster is not new to Vicksburg. The band performed at a Junior Auxiliary function in April 2016, and are scheduled to return eight more times this year to play at Ameristar Casino and a private wedding reception. Frequent trips here tell me they are a community favorite, and I look forward to hearing them for the first time Thursday.

I also look forward to enjoying an impressive 45-minute fireworks show over downtown and the Yazoo Diversion Canal.

The observance of Independence Day and remembering those who fought for our rights as American citizens is important, especially being in the publishing industry.

Without those rights, we would be unable to publish our newspaper with the freedom to report fairly and accurately on what happens in Vicksburg and Warren County.

Thanks to the city of Vicksburg for planning a Fourth of July celebration that honors our country, reminds us of the many rights we exercise everyday, and gives us a reason to celebrate in the town we call home.

Catherine Boone Hadaway is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at catherine.hadaway@vicksburgpost.com.