Kilby Whitney, co-owner of The Corners Mansion, left, talks to Linda Dowdy and her grandson, Josh Hogue of Texas, about the chandelier hanging in the dining area of the bed and breakfast on Klein and Oak streets Sunday during a spring pilgrimage tour.(The Vicksburg Post/MELANIE DUNCAN)

[03/16/02]It’s hard to base predictions on one weekend of tours, but at least one owner of a pilgrimage home is optimistic about Vicksburg’s 2002 Spring Pilgrimage.

The 2002 tour packages debuted Saturday and continue daily until April 6. This year, people have a choice of Blue, Red, Yellow, Green and Purple Tours with four additional tours available.

“We have had only one day of tours, Saturday,” said Chris Brinkley, one of the owners of Anchuca, 1010 First East St.

He said the house, which is also operated as a bed and breakfast inn, had 28 visitors that day.

“Compared to the fall, we seemed busier,” he said, adding he is optimistic for this year’s tours.

Vicksburg has many tour homes and attractions open through the year.

The package tours include some homes not open at any other time and special pricing.

Anyone interested in taking one or more of the tours or visiting individual sites may call the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 636-9421 or visit the main office at 1221 Washington St. or at the tourist information center on Old Highway 27 at Clay Street, across the street from the entrance to the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Additional tours available at various times during Pilgrimage are Cedar Hill Cemetery, the Anshe Chesed Jewish Temple and Linden Plantation Gardens. Candlelight tours also are available.