Something new is planned for downtown Vicksburg.

Second Saturdays, a monthly festival designed to showcase the River City’s walkable historic downtown will be held on the second Saturday of every month.

The inaugural event is scheduled for June 8 and will feature performances by Vicksburg’s George McConnell, formerly of Wide Spread Panic, the Mississippi Marshall Trio, and Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry.

The idea of having a series of family friendly free events and activities was a collaboration by the Vicksburg –Warren Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Association, merchants and local volunteers, event volunteer Elizabeth Nelson said.

“The recently launched event series will feature local musicians, artists, merchant specials, family-friendly games, and entertainment for all,” Nelson said, adding, “Tourists and local residents can expect something special and unique downtown every second Saturday throughout the year.”

McConnell, who will be sponsored by The Mississippi Barbeque Company, The Biscuit Company of Vicksburg and Fit Chef Catering, will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. at the new farmers’ market pavilion located at the north end of Washington Street, and the Mississippi Marshall Trio, sponsored by Cottonwood Public House and 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill, will perform at the River Stage, located next to the Cottonwood Public House from 4 to 6 p.m.

The performance by Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry showcased by the Vicksburg Blues Society, the sponsor of “The Blues Corner” will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. back at the new Farmer’s Market pavilion.

Perry along with saxophonist Alphonso Sanders were the second place winners in the solo/duo category in this year’s International Blues Challenge, which was held in Memphis.

Nelson said having the musical performances located at various venues allows festival-goers the opportunity to see what all downtown has to offer during the events.

In addition to the musical performances that are scheduled throughout the event, Second Saturday volunteer Ashley Gatian said there will also be live art demonstration tables set up along Washington Street, which will include knitters from Fabs & More, who will be inside the old Audubon Building.

Main Street will also have large board games set up and wood working demonstrations will be held at Captain Tom’s at the corner of China and Walnut streets.  

“We are very excited about this program as it was designed by community members through the work of the Downtown and Cultural Committee that supports the implementation of the ED Partnership Economic Development Strategic Plan,” Pablo Diaz, president & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership said. “We were proud to see our community come together to develop a plan for economic development and we are even prouder to see us continue to work together to implement that plan.”

For more information on scheduled events, music acts, and other attractions during the Second Saturday program, visit facebook.com/VicksburgSecondSaturday, call the Vicksburg Main Street Program Office at 601-634-4527 or the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012.

“Our city is looking forward to the kickoff for the Second Saturday festival series,” Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said. “This will be an important program for our community and will enhance the quality of life and entertainment opportunities in our downtown and I encourage everyone to come downtown every second Saturday and enjoy themselves in the heart of our beautiful city.”