Independence Day revelers flocked to downtown Vicksburg on Saturday night, enduring humid weather to take in live music from the Greenville-based Krackerjacks as well as a subsequent fireworks show staged from a barge stationed in the Yazoo Diversion Canal.

Vicksburg Police Sgt. Michael Bryant said about 9,000 people were “in and out of the area.”

The crowd included locals such as Clifton Lee, a Redwood resident soaked with sweat after gyrating to the rock standards covered by the Krackerjacks.

“I’ve been dancing all my life,” the rail-thin 50-year-old said.  “I think I like dancing more than I like eating.”

The celebration also drew party-goers from other cities who said they were searching for a family-friendly environment for July 4th fun.

Judy and Dennis Turner of Monroe were sitting with their daughter, Desiree, who was celebrating her 21st birthday. Judy Turner said that she read about the city’s July 4 plans online while looking for alternatives to feting Independence Day in Monroe.

“We thought Vicksburg would be safe,” she said.  “And it has great hotel rates.”

The event also provided money-making opportunities for downtown businesses, with members of the crowd passing in and out of restaurants and bars.

Also, members of Warren Central High School’s Big Blue marching band were selling cold drinks to party-goers, hoping to use proceeds to help fund a trip to New York in April, band director Alan Arendale said.

Humid conditions prevailed throughout the evening, and the temperature stood at 85 degrees Fahrenheit when the fireworks show concluded at about 10 p.m.

City officials had said $30,000 was to be spent on the extravaganza. It was funded by the city and casinos, city communications manager Barry Graham had said.

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Contact Ben Bryant at bbryant@vicksburgpost.com