Between the rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in air, the American flag was still flying high during Saturday’s Independence Day celebration.

After a drizzle during the pre-fireworks concert, the skies cleared and the fireworks happened as planned shortly after the sun set Saturday.

The concert and fireworks provides an opportunity for the city to give back, city parks and recreation director Joe Graves said.

“We want to try to bring the community together to enjoy a free concert and a nice fireworks display on the Fourth of July,” he said. “It’s just something the city can do to give back.”

The fireworks lasted about 30 minutes and cost the City of Vicksburg $30,000, Graves said.

“My Fourth of July committee raised about $20,000 to do sound, stage, backline and band,” he said.

Mustache The Band began their concert at 7 p.m. with only a few minor interruptions from the rain.

The event also serves to draw in tourists, Graves said.

“It brings in people in from all over,” he said. “It gives them a good opportunity to see what Vicksburg is all about.”

Graves said the concert and fireworks show also draws people in to restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.

Drew Tran of Alexandria, La,. said she enjoyed her first trip to Vicksburg.

“I came here to experience the true essence of Vicksburg and to watch fireworks,” she said. “There are a lot of beautiful, historic areas.”

Tran said she enjoyed seeing Mustache The Band.

“I thought their covers were really nice,” she said. “I really liked to blue and red lights.”

Tran said the songs playing during the fireworks were her favorite part.

Vicksburg native Taylor DeRossette said he goes to see the fireworks show just about every year.

“Tonight was a real treat,” he said. “I enjoyed the great music, great people and great friends I was with.”

DeRossette said though there was a slight drizzle, he still had fun.

“I loved the weather because there were no mosquitos, and I didn’t get hot and sweaty,” he said. “I was glad the rain held off so everyone could enjoy the fireworks show.”

Cody Thomas, of Vicksburg, said he thought the concert and fireworks display was a good experience.

“The weather was a good combination of not being not being too hot and not being rained out,” he said.

Thomas, who spent the last three years in Starkville, said seeing Mustache The Band in Vicksburg was a neat experience.

“I’ve seen them in Starkville,” he said. “They’re a great band.”

Thomas said the fireworks were impressive.

“It was fun to bring friends from out of town who had never seen what our city has to offer,” he said. “I guess I kind of took it for granted growing up here.”