Norelia Reed of New Orleans looks at paintings by local artist Verdee Thomas outside the Juke Joint during Hit the Bricks and Adjoining Streets Thursday. The shopping event, sponsored by Vicksburg Main Street Program, is held twice a year. The Main Street program has adopted the nationwide 3/50 Project, which encourages shoppers to spend $50 per month at three independent local shops. It is designed to generate $42.6 billion in revenue if half of the employed population supports the program, said Executive Director Kim Hopkins. (Katie Carter*The Vicksburg Post)