Summer vacation will come to a close next week and students in the Vicksburg area will celebrate their return to school with the 14th annual citywide pep rally Saturday.

The event is planned for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Outlets at Vicksburg and will include performances by junior high and high school groups from St. Aloysius, Porters Chapel Academy, Warren Central and Vicksburg, Outlets General Manager Margaret Gilmer said.

“We are excited about the event, and all the schools will be participating with their bands, cheerleaders and dance squads,” Gilmer said.

Bleachers will be set up for the spectators, she said, but lawn chairs and umbrellas are welcome.

Last year, Gilmer said, 2,000 to 2,500 people attended, she expects to have just as many this year.

Missy Broome, cheerleader sponsor for Warren Central High School, said the schedule of events includes a welcome from Katie Lee, marketing and events coordinator for the Outlets at Vicksburg, an invocation and the pledge of allegiance featuring the WCHS Color Guard. That will be followed with performances from the bands, cheerleaders and dance teams.

Miss Vicksburg Jeralyn Stuart will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The Kiwanis Club’s golf ball drop that previously raised money for the United Way of West Central Mississippi won’t be happening this year.

However, United Way administrative assistant and office manager Ruby Green said they will be holding their silent auction again this year in front of Gap with items ranging from vacations to jewelry.

“We hope everybody comes out and sees the pep rally, but also comes out to support us,” Green said.

For the first time during the annual pep rally, local boosters will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and water.

Back-to-school sales will be offered by the outlet stores and customers can register for a shopping spree, Gilmer said. The winner will be announced Monday.

A free concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. with Miss Spirit of the South Jasmine Murray, an “American Idol” finalist in 2009 and first runnerup to Miss Mississippi Marie Wicks.