Two of Vicksburg’s biggest parties fall on the same day this year. What a treat!

On Saturday, the 32nd annual Run Thru History will lead directly into the city’s downtown Mardi Gras parade. The parade will be celebrating its 10th annual rolling down Washington Street. Although it lacks the size of many Mardi Gras celebrations, the event is becoming a city staple.

The Run Thru History historically has been held on the first Saturday of March. The Mardi Gras parade date, meanwhile, is dependent on when Easter falls each year. This year, the first weekend of March also is just about 40 days before Easter, so the two events are united.

The Run Thru History, one of the largest Mississippi Track Club events, will begin at 8 a.m. at Memorial Arch in the Vicksburg National Military Park. The 10-kilometer run, a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run will all finish at Battlefield Inn on South Frontage Road. The scenic, yet physically grueling course, routinely sees walkers and runners from around the nation participate.

The post-race festivities, filled with food, beverages and music, keep participants, volunteers and officials reveling for hours, rolling the run into time for the parade, which is scheduled for 4 Saturday afternoon along Washington Street.

Vicksburg has a golden opportunity to showcase itself on Saturday. Visitors from around the state and nation will be descending on our city thanks to the calendar.

The theme of the Mardi Gras parade is, Peace, Love and Mardi Gras. We urge everyone to adhere to that theme and have fun, but also to be responsible. When two such events fall on the same day — a Saturday no less — there is a tendency to get free and loose. Just be that way responsibly. If you plan on partying heavily, please find a designated driver. Make plans in advance so no one has to worry.

Have fun. Enjoy the city and everything it has to offer. But do it responsibly so everyone who chooses to enjoy Saturday can do so with peace and love — and especially Mardi Gras.