April in Vicksburg is abuzz with activity. From touring the stately mansions during Tapestry, dancing the night away at RiverFest or watching as kayakers ply the Mississippi River, Vicksburg in April is the place to be.

The jewel is the weekend long RiverFest, Vicksburg’s largest outdoor party. This year is shaping up to be one for the record books. With Saturday culminating two nights full of music with acts to satisfy almost every musical appetite.

But before hitting up the stages, visit the RiverFest Arts and Crafts Fair around City Hall. Then meander toward the Old Court House Museum-Eva Davis Memorial for the spring flea market. The market, which was a staple for more than 40 years before the courthouse needed repairs, returns for this spring.

At the Vicksburg Convention Center recently the Alcorn State University Jazz Festival returned. High school and college bands hit the convention center stage for an all-day festival. It was a treat. And, like both the flea market and arts and crafts fair, the event is free.

The Bluz Cruz down the Mississippi River was a success. With spectators watching and cheering from the banks of the river as kayakers navigated the Mighty Muddy in non-motorized craft.

Keep fingers crossed for great weather this weekend. Hours and hours of work, planning and preparation go into producing these events and to show gratitude, all the people of this community need to do is come out.

This is a chance to showcase the city. Leave the nonsense at home. If alcohol is on the menu, have a designated driver. And please, do not put others in harm’s way. Be responsible. Be polite. Prove that Vicksburg can be — and is —the place to be in April.

Now go lace up those dancing shoes.