Vicksburg is world-famous for the National Military Park, and though we have many other fine attractions, the park stands above the rest.

On Saturday night, Shadows of the Past, an evening candlelight walking tour featuring historical personalities once again welcomes visitors to Vicksburg National Military Park.

Actors and many of the park’s rangers and employees will play roles and assist with traffic, parking and directions. The tour is one of the few opportunities to legally visit the park after sunset.

The re-creations, staged for free are part of the annual Shadows of the Past tours and serve to interest and excite “non-traditional” visitors who are not as familiar with the park’s story.

The event highlights the gem of our community that is the National Military Park. The park draws tourist the world over.

“Vicksburg National Military Park welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” acting Superintendent Bill Justice has previously said. “We are delighted to share the story of the campaign and siege of Vicksburg and the stories of all the people who were involved or affected by it. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to Mississippi and Louisiana and all that this area offers.”

A National Park Service report shows 550,875 visitors to VNMP in 2014 spent $30,894,800 in communities near the park.

It’s hard to imagine our community without the park. The two are so intertwined it’s no surprise that their fates also would be. The community desperately needs the park to showcase our city and its treasured history. Our park is like no other park and is truly an “art park.” The Shadows of the Past candlelight tours are yet another jewel in the crown of the park. If you haven’t been to one of the candlelight tours, be sure to attend this one.