A chance to ease the burden of back-to-school shopping began Friday in Mississippi and runs through Sunday at midnight, as this year’s tax-free weekend comes a few weeks early this year.

A Senate bill moved the holiday from the last Friday in July to the second Friday in the month and extended it by one day. Sales tax is not being charged on the sale of clothes, shoes or school supplies that are less than $100.

While the tax-free weekend does extend across the Magnolia State, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said he encourages residents of Vicksburg and Warren County to take advantage of the savings locally.

“As we approach the sales tax free weekend here in Vicksburg, I would like to encourage our residents to take advantage of this opportunity to save on their back-to-school shopping and other essential purchases,” Flaggs said Thursday. “This weekend not only supports our local economy, but offers our residents an opportunity to shop locally while saving on sales tax.”

Flaggs said the items covered by the tax-free umbrella are available at stores across the River City and shopping locally helps spread the benefit of the weekend’s opportunities from shoppers to retailers.

“The sales tax-free weekend is an excellent time for our community to come together, support our local economy and enjoy the benefits of tax-free shopping on qualifying items. Whether you’re purchasing school supplies, clothing or other eligible items, this initiative allows our citizens to stretch their dollar further. I encourage everyone in Vicksburg to shop locally and take full advantage of the sales tax-free weekend. Together, we can make this weekend a success for our local businesses and a positive experience for our residents.”