I

t really is a recipe for disaster.

We’ve all be faced with the difficult task of planning an outdoors event. Not only do you have to worry about all the details that you, as a human being, can control, but then you have to just wait, hope and pray the weather cooperates.

You have known of brides sweating the latest weather forecasts for their biggest day.

You yourself have refreshed your favorite weather website every few minutes, hoping the forecast for your weekend event or vacation stays nice, or somehow will go from gloomy to glorious in between clicks.

For the past few years, the city of Vicksburg, along with Main Street and other organizers, have tempted fate with an annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza and have been able to pull it off.

This year, with one of those pesky afternoon and evening summer thunderstorms causing some heartburn, event organizers were able to navigate their way to a fantastic concert and spectacular fireworks demonstration, even if a few rain drops did fall.

We have repeatedly stressed the importance of a vibrant and successful downtown to the overall health of Vicksburg’s economy. The steamboats who visit, the events that are organized and the well-stocked, friendly downtown businesses have combined to create an stunning experience on the city’s waterfront.

We have continued to report about new businesses and restaurants moving to and opening in downtown. Washington Street on most weekends is a bustle with visitors and residents alike enjoying great food and great atmosphere.

The annual fireworks show just adds to that experience.

There are those who would critique downtown organizers and business owners for the hours they operate or the events that are scheduled, but those voices are increasingly few.

It is exciting to see the effort and energy being placed in developing downtown and the partnership that continues to be built between city leaders and downtown entrepreneurs.

Downtown Vicksburg is an enthusiastic place to visit, eat and shop and Monday’s extravaganza added the right about of sparkle to an already sparkling experience.