The table was set for a fun weekend of new experiences Thursday at Levee Street Warehouse, with Vicksburg as the centerpiece of what local officials hope will become a regular event.

Thursday marked the opening of the first Beautiful Table Settings event in town. Dubbed the BTS Bash by its organizer May Eason, the event began in Wetumpka, Ala., and has made its way some 293 miles to the River City, where it will conclude its first showing Saturday.

With the weekend event chock full of guest speakers and other presentations, Eason and Vicksburg officials, including Mayor George Flaggs Jr., said the inaugural Bash was a big boon for the city’s economy, as well as its reputation as a tourist destination, with more than 400 people in attendance.

This year’s Bash wrapped up Saturday, but Eason and company said they are hopeful it was only the first of many to come
for Vicksburg.