The weather held off. The evening temperatures were warm, comfortable.

And, the streets, sidewalks, parking garages and any spot suitable for a folding chair, was filled with thousands waiting for a show.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration in downtown Vicksburg last week went off without a hitch, and according to Mayor George Flaggs Jr., attracted a crowd estimated to be more than 12,000.

“It was great. I think one of the best,” Flaggs said recounting last Thursday’s concert and fireworks show. “I had the chance to walk around through the crowd, and was thrilled with how everything went.”

Flaggs said the event, which is paid for through funds provided by the city and sponsors, has become a true event in Vicksburg, attracting visitors from throughout the central Mississippi region as well as those in northeast Louisiana.

“I think the only thing we have changed over the years is adding 15 minutes to the fireworks show,” Flaggs said. “It used to be 30 minutes, so we added some time to it. Now, I have people telling me that 45 minutes is long enough.”

As for future improvements, Flaggs said he wouldn’t change a thing, only to say that he would like to find more spots for visitors to be able to set up their chairs.

“We had folks everywhere,” he said. “They were setting up in the parking garages, on tops of buildings, in 10 South, everywhere.”