Words are insufficient to describe the dual success of the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s Supper on the ’Sip event held Sept. 27 on the Old Mississippi River bridge to kickoff its annual campaign drive.

Held to create enthusiasm for the annual United Way campaign, Supper on the ’Sip was a unique way to encourage people to come out and contribute to, and participate in, an event that benefits the community in so many ways, and gave those attending an opportunity to learn more about United Way’s work and the work of each of its 19 partner agencies. The organization and the participating restaurants should be commended for its success

It also served as another argument for opening the Old Mississippi River Bridge to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Because of the setting, diners got a view of the Mississippi River that few people get to see, and it’s that view, plus the fact that people can walk across the bridge to Louisiana is what makes the bridge a potential tourist attraction. Hopefully some who may have been skeptical about opening the bridge and attended Supper on the ’Sip were converted. Warren County is blessed to have two assets like United Way and the bridge. United Way does so much for so many in our community, and the response to Supper on the ’Sip shows the community recognizes and supports its efforts.

The bridge is an asset that has yet to be tapped. In addresses to the Port City Kiwanis Club and seniors at St. Aloysius, developer Tim Cantwell said Vicksburg has “unfound treasures in your backyard everywhere here.” The Old Mississippi River Bridge is one of those treasures, and just possibly Supper on the ’Sip opened a few more eyes to that fact.