The weather-watchers at the Riverfest offices can, for now, breathe a small sigh of relief. The 10-day forecast, as of this writing on Thursday, is predicting beautiful sun-soaked skies and warm temperatures.

What a relief. (Disclaimer: Information obtained though the National Weather Service, so if rain comes during the weekend, do not blame this writer).

Sean P. Murphy is Web editor. He can be reached at smurphy@vicksburgpost.com

A photograph on Page 2 of today’s special Riverfest section says all one needs to know about last year’s experience — two people holding umbrellas yards from a stage with no one watching. Weather is the one thing festival organizers are completely powerless to control. Great weather equals great turnout. Weather, though, is not the only thing that makes a festival worth repeating year after year.

Musical variety is a must. In a town as diverse as Vicksburg, musicians must span the spectrum.

The 23rd annual Riverfest runs the gamut from country to R&B to bluegrass. The music must inspire festival goers to get out and shake their backsides. The more backsides shake the better the vibe will be.

Get a festival schedule and keep your ears tuned to the one stage. Good music will resonate for the entire weekend.

• Let the people have their fun. Some festivals have very few rules to follow, while others take security to a new level. A fantastic festival will make the patrons feel safe, but not under constant supervision.

Keep it fun. This will be the 23rd annual event, with the arts and crafts show 19 years its elder.

• Arrive early because Riverfest is so much more than just music. The 42nd Vicksburg-Warren County Riverfest Arts & Crafts Show on Crawford, Walnut, and South streets starts at 8 and lasts until 4:30.

There will be street performers, a woodcarving demonstration, a classic auto show, a walk for multiple sclerosis, a kayak race on the river, the YMCA Y’s Men’s annual pancake breakfast and downtown sidewalk sales. Many of the activities are free.

When it’s time for a respite from the sun, look no further than the Vicksburg Convention Center for the 30th annual Alcorn State University Jazz Festival, which begins at 8 a.m. and finishes at 8 p.m. with the McCoy Tyner Trio.

The stars are aligning for a brilliant weekend in Vicksburg. Organizers, who deserve much more credit than they ever will get, are hoping that is what revelers will see both Friday and Saturday nights — nothing but stars plastered across crystal clear skies.