By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

People who would like to visit the Vicksburg National Military Park for free will have four opportunities in 2018.

As the park prepares to celebrate the 155th year of the anniversary of the campaign for Vicksburg during the Civil War, the park has decided to offer fee-free days.

The designated fee-free days are Jan. 15, MLK day; April 21, the first day of National Park Week; Sept. 22, National Public Lands Day and Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.

During these days, the entrance fee of $15 will be waived and volunteers will be present to reenact the Civil War era for visitors.

The free entrance fee will also apply to individual walkers and runners who usually have to pay the $15.

Officials are hoping the upcoming fee free days at the park will spark interest in volunteering at the park.

The days will also bring publicity to the park as well.

During the specified days many volunteers come to the public park and work on the beautification of it.

Others may help to clean the park.

“The days that we designate as fee free for national parks mark opportunities for the public to participate in service projects, enjoy ranger-led programs, or just spend time with family and friends exploring these diverse and special places,” Michael T. Reynolds, National Park Service Deputy Director, said. “We hope that these fee-free days offer visitors an extra incentive to enjoy their national parks in 2018.”

In 2016 the Vicksburg National military Park had more than 50,000 visitors.

For more information on the upcoming fee-free days at the Vicksburg National Military Park contact the Chief of Interpretation, Scott Babinowich at 601-619-2905.