The celebration marking Vicksburg’s 200th anniversary of incorporation began Wednesday with a kickoff event on the town’s official birthday and will continue throughout the weekend with a number of events around the River City.

Thursday, guest speakers and local groups came together for the Bicentennial Symposium at the Ardis T. Williams Auditorium.

Guest speakers included Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr., Catfish Row Museum Executive Director Linda Fondren and Terry Winschel, retired historian for the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Included in the night’s entertainment was a performance from the Vicksburg High School Madrigals.

Remaining events for this weekend’s celebration include:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 7 p.m. Vicksburg Bicentennial Ball at the B.B. Club (ticketed). Purchase tickets on Eventbrite; 10:30 p.m. Bicentennial Ball After Party at the Watermark (ticketed). Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Learn more at Vicksburg200.com