Whether it’s a Christmas caroling contest, Holly Days at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center or the annual downtown Christmas parade, Vicksburg has showed that it knows how to celebrate the season. A tip of the cap to all those who worked tirelessly for another fantastic kickoff to the season.

The seventh annual caroling contest, sponsored by local radio station owner Mark Jones at V105.5 FM, continues to grow. It has woven itself into the start of the season in Vicksburg perfectly. Choirs of more than 1,000 people from schools to churches to neighborhood groups competed for not only cash — about $10,000 — but the recognition as the best.

Hundreds packed the Vicksburg Convention Center to hear local choirs belt out Christmastime favorites. The undertaking is substantial, and the turnout — both participants and those watching in person — personified the community’s commitment to this budding event. Simply listening to the music and getting in the spirit was certainly worth the affordable $5 entry fee.

Last night’s Christmas parade along Washington Street again was a huge hit for the locals. Thousands of people occupied every available part of Washington Street to get a look at the bands, the floats and, most importantly, Santa Claus himself. The annual parade is the cornerstone of Vicksburg’s kickoff to the holidays. Much like the caroling contest, countless hours of preparation and planning went into producing a first-rate event. The community owes a big thank-you to those tireless workers.

Holly Days Arts and Crafts at the SCHC, several Christmas-themed plays and Breakfast with Santa were perfect complements to a very busy weekend.

None of these events would continue each year without dedicated people working to produce them, and community support. The age-old line from the classic movie “Field of Dreams” — “If you build it, he will come” — could be used here as well. People produce these wonderful activities and the people come.

The people want to see first-class events to celebrate the holidays. In Vicksburg, that’s what they get.