April in Vicksburg is abuzz with activity. From touring the stately mansions during Tapestry, dancing the night away at RiverFest or watching as kayakers ply the Mississippi River, Vicksburg in the next two weeks is the place to be.

The jewel will be the 25th anniversary of RiverFest, Vicksburg’s largest outdoor party. This year is shaping up to be one of the most popular events musically with rising country singer Easton Corbin headlining Friday night and New Orleans’ famed Dirty Dozen Brass Band rocking the stage Saturday night. The two headliners will be the culmination of a night full of music with acts to satisfy almost every musical appetite.

But before hitting up the stages, visit the RiverFest Arts and Crafts Fair around City Hall. Then meander toward the Old Court House Museum-Eva Davis Memorial for the spring flea market. The market, which was a staple for about 40 years before the courthouse needed repairs, returns for its second spring.

At the Vicksburg Convention Center on Saturday the Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will return. High school and college bands will hit the convention center stage for an all-day festival. It should be a treat. And, like both the flea market and arts and crafts fair, the event is free.

The events do not end on Saturday, though, as the Bluz Cruz down the Mississippi River is scheduled a week later, on April 28. Watch and cheer from the banks of the river as kayakers navigate the Mighty Muddy in non-motorized craft.

Keep fingers crossed for great weather on both weekends. Hours and hours of work, planning and preparation go into producing these events and to show gratitude, all the people of this community need to do is come out.

This is a chance to showcase the city. Leave the nonsense at home. If alcohol is on the menu, have a designated driver. And please, do not put others in harm’s way. Be responsible. Be polite. Prove that Vicksburg can be — and is —the place to be in April.

Now go lace up those dancing shoes.