It’s amazing the lengths our Main Street program goes though to make Vicksburg a shopping destination.
Getting downtown business owners to open their shops on a Sunday is no easy feat, but doing it successfully and drawing more than 1,000 shoppers 18 years in a row is a feat of holiday magic.
At least that many shoppers from throughout the state and region flocked to the beautifully decorated Washington Street Sunday for Vicksburg’s 18th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House.
“This is very encouraging,” said Regina Gailani, who owns Art and Soul with her husband, Joe. “The holidays are just starting, so we’re getting things ready and out of the way so we can get ready for customers’ special orders.
Beautiful, spring like conditions didn’t hurt, of course.
“The weather has really been beautiful and everyone has been in good spirits,” said Kim Hopkins, the director of Vicksburg Main Street.
But even as the weather turns cold, the encouraging atmosphere on Washington Street must stay alive. Downtown’s shops offer a myriad items and deals without the hassle of loading into the family car and driving to Jackson or Monroe.
Spending money locally boots the local economy and keeps local tax dollars in Warren County. Buying clothes or that perfect holiday gift today, means our city and county can keep the streetlights on tomorrow.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Shoppers who visit our downtown shops, the Outlets at Vicksburg and other retailers are likely to spend more time in the city purchasing lunch, filling up their car, touring an antebellum home or visiting Vicksburg National Military Park.
“It’s become a tradition,” Michelle Humphries of Hattiesburg said during Sunday’s shopping event. “I love Vicksburg.”
“It just gets you in the spirit,” said Joyce McPherson, another member of the group.
That’s exactly what we want people — locals included — to say when they think about Vicksburg during the holidays.
We have a shopper’s paradise in our own backyard. Let’s take advantage of it.