I hope everyone has been taking notice of all that has been going on in Vicksburg.

Take for instance the Bill Dance Mississippi River Monsters Mega Buc$ Pro Series Catfish Tournament that is happening this weekend.

This is a big deal, folks. Not only is Bill Dance — one of the most famous fishermen in the world – going to be here, but world-class fishermen from 23 states will be heading out from the River City’s dock with hopes of reeling in a prize-winning catfish. And when I say prize-winning, the money for this tournament is “historic,” organizers say. Never before in the history of catfish tournaments has there been a $200,000 purse that includes $100,000 for first place. For those interested in witnessing the weigh-ins, they are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Speaking of catfish, the Catfish Row Museum has been holding its Summer Chef Series. Presenters have included award-winning chefs Nick Wallace, who was the winner of season 34 of “Chopped”; and Atlanta chef Austin Sumrall of White Pillars restaurant in Biloxi, who won the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans in 2021. Jackson-based chef Enrika Williams, who was part of the opening team at the fine-dining InterContinental Buckhead hotel, was also a guest speaker, as was Vicksburg’s own Story Ebersole, Ali Hopson and Francine Nosser.

The second season of the Catfish Row Museum’s Summer Chef Series will wrap up Aug. 10 and will feature Geno Lee from Jackson’s Farish Street staple the Red Apple Inn.

A Beautiful Table Settings Bash was held earlier this year, and the event drew visitors from as far away as Washington state and the east coast. A plethora of vendors were also there selling everything from antique crystal to china to embroidered napkins — everything to make a table setting beautiful. This event was so successful a second Bash is scheduled for next year.

But in the meantime, mark your calendar for another event that showcases all things vintage.

Scheduled to be held Aug. 16-18, Vicksburg residents Jennifer Coulter and Harley Caldwell, along with Beautiful Table Setting founder May Eason, will host A Southern Antiques Affair. The event will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Tickets for the three-day event are $155 and are available by calling 601-529-3161 or at www.eventcreate.com/e/asouthernantiquesaffair.

For those interested in attending, here is what to expect:

*Antique Shopping Extravaganza: Explore a curated selection of antique vendors showcasing unique pieces that blend the past with the present,
*Exclusive Tours: Immerse yourself in history with a special tour of The Martha Vick Home, brimming with exquisite antique collections waiting to be discovered,
*Decorating and Entertaining Workshops: Elevate your decor and hosting skills with insightful workshops designed to keep your home stylish and your guests impressed,
*Antique Appraisal Services: Bring your own treasures for expert evaluation and uncover the hidden stories behind your cherished belongings,
*Live Music and Culinary Delights: Indulge in the soulful rhythms of blues and jazz while savoring delectable appetizers. Enjoy wine and cheese pairings as you shop and culminate your experience with a classic champagne brunch.

And to think, all that I have mentioned is just a taste of what Vicksburg has to offer.

We might not be a big city, but we have big things going on.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes features for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.