The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has stepped up, showing the kind of energetic leadership that makes good towns great towns.

Director Annette Kirklin announced last week that the SCHF will assume major sponsor and organizational efforts needed to keep the Over the River Run going. It was feared that the withdrawal of River Region Health System from that role would spell the end for the unique events centered at the old Mississippi River bridge each fall for 20 years.

“We just did not want it to die. It’s too important to people in Vicksburg and to this town. People love to do it,” Kirklin said. She was right. Thousands and thousands of residents and visitors have enjoyed the 5-mile run, racewalk and less competitive family events for young and old. Ameristar also will continue as a major sponsor.

Income that exceeds costs will also go toward a good cause — a state-of-the-art sound system for the Southern Cultural Heritage Center’s auditorium. Since the center was created in the former St. Francis Convent and School complex, it has become a jewel of the city with diverse and enriching programming, also for people of all ages. If one event can boost the quality of others, then so much the better.

Kirklin and the SCHF board, along with Ameristar and all the other sponsors, are to be commended for showing enthusiasm for their community in such a direct, rewarding way.

The 21st Over the River Run will be Oct. 10. Support it any way you can.