Vicksburg’s historic Fostoria neighborhood will celebrate its 6th annual Porchfest on Saturday, Nov. 2 with a line-up of notable bands, artisans, food vendors and festivities. The event is family-friendly and free to attend.

Launo Moore, a Fostoria resident, credits her neighbor Elizabeth Nelson for bringing the concept to the neighborhood.

“It is a national event, started in Ithaca, New York,” Moore said.

Many of the neighborhood residents are involved with the planning and fulfillment of a successful Porchfest.

“It takes a great deal of cooperation and support from city officials,” Moore said. “Mayor Flaggs jumped on board from day one, along with the aldermen and everyone in the city. They’re all committed to making our neighborhood perfect for the environment for everybody to come and have fun. It’s a family, musical event. This year we’ve extended the hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.”

Drummond St. will be blocked off from Harris St. to Finney St. for the event, which is free to the public and will occur rain or shine. This year will also include DeWitt St.

Porchfest has become so popular, Moore said, that bands contact the neighborhood organization to see if they can play at the event. A number of bands will play from porch front homes throughout the day. Headliner bands for this year are The Chad Marshall Band and The Chill, and will be playing at the corner of DeWitt and Cherry St. beginning at 5 p.m.

Other musical performances include: Steve Fadden, Calvin “Dr. Who” Carson & Jerry, Noel Tello, 3D, Ben Shaw, Patrick Smith, Evan Brister, Ralph Miller, Cindy Veazey, Zach Day, The Goodins, Strang Theory, Zechariah Lloyd Trio, Terry Miller, Shannon Myers, Kitchen Girls, Hatchie River Bottom Slough Boy, Shelby Martin Anderson, Julie Ann Crouse & John Reeder, Booth Buys and Keegan, Jam Up, Jimbo Shires CrossRoads, Chad Marshall Band, and The Chill.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a portable chair for relaxing in as they listen to porch-front bands play. Pets are also welcome, with pet watering stations set up on the street.

Nelson said 26 local artisans will sell their wares and food and beverage vendors will be onsite with an array of choices for eating and drinking, including adult beverage options.

Moore said the city trolley will transport event-goers to Drummond St. from designated parking areas. Visitors to Porchfest can park in the public parking garage downtown, at the Vicksburg Convention Center, Mutual Federal Credit Union, Vicksburg Water & Gas and Total Praise Ministries parking lots, where the trolley will run in a continuous circuit during the event.

“Our sponsors are the ones who make it happen,” said Moore. Porchfest has 24 local businesses who provide sponsorship. Sponsors include the City of Vicksburg, Mutual Credit Union, WaterView Casino, CJ’s Tires, 10South, May & Company, Edward Jones, Guaranty Bank, Jones & Upchurch, Los Parrilleros, Vicksburg Realtors, Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast, Main Street Market Cafe, Peterson’s, The Liquor Store, H & M Promotional Products & Signs, Key City Brewery & Eatery, Sheffield’s Rental, Dr. Jay Measells, Wells & LaHatte, United Cleaners, Plaza Haircare, McDonald’s, RiverHills Bank, Eagle Ridge Development, Helen’s Florist, and Cadence Bank.

Any profit made from Porchfest is given to charity.

“Our neighborhood is committed to the city,” Moore said. “In the past, we have always been able to give back to non-profit organizations in our community. That’s very important. Last year, and in previous years, we’ve been able to give $500 to six non-profit groups.”

Instead of a silent auction this year, Nelson said a raffle will take its place with the opportunity to win multiple items, including staycations and items from local shops. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase online.

The entire Fostoria neighborhood looks forward to Porchfest.

“Wear some comfortable shoes!” Moore said. “Just come and have fun.”