The Outlets at Vicksburg’s 11th annual citywide pep rally is set for 9:30 Saturday morning.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” said Paige Caldwell, marketing director of the shopping center.

If you go

The 11th annual citywide pep rally will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Outlets at Vicksburg. The event is free. For more information, call 601-636-7434.

Cheerleaders, dancers, band members, sports teams and Junior ROTC members from Vicksburg High School, Warren Central High School and St. Aloysius High School will ring in the 2009-10 school year with cheers and performances. Porters Chapel was invited, but had not confirmed attendance.

Also set to attend are Miss Riverbend De’Lisha Wiggins, who will perform a patriotic number, and Mayor Paul Winfield, who will speak. Radio personality Evelyn Parker of River 101 will be the mistress of ceremonies.

Outlets at Vicksburg coupons will be distributed at the rally.

In years past, the event has drawn more than 1,000 people, and Caldwell is hoping for just as many this year.

Also on Saturday will be the second annual Back-to-School Bash, hosted by 3 Fold Productions, a nonprofit company that specializes in Christian hip-hop. The event, which is unaffiliated with the citywide pep rally, will feature a free concert Saturday evening from 4 to 8 at the Pearl Street basketball courts. Young Flame of Vicksburg and L.O.C. of San Antonio will perform. Also, a cleanup of the basketball court will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

*

Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com