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Members of the drumline in the Warren Central Big Blue Band perform during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

Warren Central Cheerleaders perform during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

A member of the Warren Central Dance Team performs during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

Members of the Warren Central Big Blue Band Color Guard perform during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

A members of the Warren Central Big Blue Band Color Guard performs during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

A members of the Warren Central Big Blue Band Color Guard performs during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

A baritonist in the Warren Central Big Blue Band perform during the Warren Central Homecoming Parade along Washington Street through Downtown Thursday. Warren Central will play Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. Friday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

The Vicksburg YMCA will celebrate its 95th birthday with a pep rally and news about the organization’s future plans at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Purks YMCA, 267 YMCA Place.

The event marks the first time in two years that the Citywide Pep Rally has been presented.

“Living in Vicksburg, you always heard about it, and it just seems like such a great event where you bring all the schools together,” said Phillip Doiron, YMCA executive director.

“We just though it would be a good idea (to bring it back). We’re piggybacking it; it’s our 95th anniversary of the YMCA, and we thought what a neat way to celebrate our birthday and have a community event at the same time.”

He said volunteers and the Y staff had been working on the pep rally for the past two or three months. “We’ve had a group of dedicated volunteers who represented businesses in the community and have come together to do this,” Doiron said.

The celebration will help kicks off the Y’s fundraising campaign to enhance its facilities offered to the Vicksburg community. The Vicksburg YMCA plans to expand childcare service, offer more youth sports, create a multipurpose facility, expand its fitness center and update parking.

“The Y is going to have an announcement about what is coming up for our association,” Doiron said. “We believe it’s a big deal and we want to make it a part of it.”

Support your team

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s colors and enjoy the festivities. Local bands, pep squads and dance teams will be featured as well as refreshments and birthday cake.

Parking will be available at the Outlets at Vicksburg with a free shuttle to and from the Purks YMCA.

“The YMCA has been a tremendous asset and staple in the city of Vicksburg for many years,” said Mayor George Flaggs Jr. “Every day, the YMCA works to strengthen our community by making sure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and excel. Individuals from all walks of life have been exposed to the benefits of being members of the YMCA. My life has personally been enriched through the recreational, educational, and social programs that they offer.”

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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