Fourth of July activities planned for Vicksburg

A free patriotic concert will kick off the Fourth of July festivities beginning at 2 p.m. June 30 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

Sponsored by Frances Koury Four Seasons of the Arts and the City of Vicksburg, the event will feature the Vicksburg Orchestral Society Vicksburg Chamber Choir.

“Guest conductor for the concert,” Four Seasons committee member Connie Hosemann said, “will be Dr. Jace McMullin, the head band director at Warren Central High School.”

Dr. McMullin started his career in 2011 at WCHS, where he was the assistant band director. In 2019, he was appointed Head Band Director, which entails overseeing the Vicksburg Warren School District’s band program, which includes sixth through 12th grades.

The VOS is a community orchestra, Hosemann said. It is comprised of about 45 volunteers from the area who enjoy performing as a volunteer organization for their own enrichment and that of their audiences.

“This group presents three concerts a year, one sponsored by Four Seasons,” Hosemann said.

The Frances Koury Four Seasons of the Arts was created by the late Frances Koury, Hosemann’s mother, and Dorthy Brasfield, the former organist at the Church of the Holy Trinity.

“They gave many gifts to the citizens of Vicksburg through their leadership in the creation of artistic and cultural events,” Hosemann said. “Today their legacy includes the Vicksburg Four Seasons of the Arts and its associated events.”

Like the VOS, the Vicksburg Chamber Choir is comprised of community members who have a love of music and desire to share their passion with everyone, Hosemann said. The Vicksburg Chamber Choir is under the direction of Christie Beasley.

Additional events surrounding the Fourth of July celebration:

SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Confederate Living History Demonstration — Old Courthouse Museum:

Learn about the day-to-day experience of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War with a live reenactment of camp life. Interact with reenactors, watch them drill in formation, view firing demonstrations of their firearms, and take time to come in and tour the Old Court House Museum. Joining them will be the Deep South Military Vehicle Club as they display military vehicles from WWII to Desert Storm. All events will take place at the Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg. For more details call the Museum at 601-636-0741.

THURSDAY, JULY 4
Refreshing Watermelon slices at the Old Depot Museum — For more information, call 601-638-6500.

Mulberry Vicksburg Pool Party — family friendly event that includes live music by Booth Buys, food, drinks, pool games and the best view of the fireworks show. Tickets are $10 and are available at events. cocoatickets.com/mulberry-vicksburg/riviera-day-club-july-4th/tickets.

Fourth of July Celebration at the Duff Green Mansion — 7 p.m., view the Vicksburg Independence Day Firework Celebration on the third-floor porch at the Duff Green Mansion while enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and all of the fixings. Summer treats and cold drinks are included. The cost is $25. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-duff-green-mansion-4th-of-july-celebration-tickets-925471950517.

Downtown Fireworks Extravaganza — kicks off at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.; Live music by Dr. Zarr; The fireworks will be shot behind the Old Depot Museum, 1010 Levee Street.

FRIDAY, JULY 5 – SUNDAY, JULY 7
Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the surrender of Vicksburg. Hosted by the VNMP and Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, events include:

FRIDAY, JULY 5
9 a.m. – noon, Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel; VNMP Visitor Center

10 a.m., Rifled Musket Demonstration; Demo Area near Visitor Center.

SATURDAY, JULY 6
9 a.m.- noon, Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel; Visitor Center;

10 a.m., Rifled Musket Demonstration; Demo Area near Visitor Center;

11 a.m. and 2 p.m., The Last 24 Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell-All; Visitor Center Theater.

SUNDAY, JULY 7
9 a.m. – noon, Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel; VNMP Visitor Center;

10 a.m., Rifled Musket Demonstration; Demo Area near Visitor Center;

11 a.m. and 2 p.m., The Last 24 Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell-All; Visitor Center Theater. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/surrender-week-end.htm.