Those of us at the Vicksburg Convention Center would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many organizations and individuals that supported the sixth annual Ritz on the River, Havana Nights!

The 12 South Band wowed the crowd with a plethora of songs and choreography. The dance floor stayed packed during this unforgettable evening. The community came together to join in the celebration of our beautiful city and help raise funds for the Warrior Bonfire Program.

The participation of the attendees responding to the theme of the evening was heartwarming.

We would like to give praise to the numerous sponsors, volunteers and attendees who made this event such a smash.

A huge thank you to the Ritz on the River sponsors: Mutual Credit Union, Ergon, Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg, RiverHills Bank, Vicksburg Convalescent Center, City of Vicksburg, VenuWorks, Crews Grady, Visit Vicksburg, Ameristar Casino Hotel, Billy Powe Event Lighting & Sound, Café Paradiso, Cannon Motors of Mississippi, C Spire, Guaranty Bank & Trust Company, Helping Hand Family Pharmacy, International Paper, May & Company, Riverwalk Casino and Hotel, Terry Service, Inc., Trustmark National Bank, Varner, Parker & Sessums, Vicksburg Insurance Agency, The Vicksburg Post and Waterview Casino and Hotel.

And, we want to thank the many community volunteers who were willing to give of their time to assist in helping the event run smoothly. Those volunteers include Phillip Allred, Landen Anderson, Bo Campbell, Calli Campbell, Dylan Cochran, Michael DeJesus, Meghan Garner, Danielle Gray, Matt Gullett, Becky King, Madyson Parker, Elizabeth Smith, Kimberly Smith, Ethan Stewart, Noah Taylor, Amy Townsend, Leigh Ann Vanlandingham, Andrea Weaver and Lesa Wilson.

We would also like to thank Vicksburg Cruisers Car Club members Lanz Dorrell and Lonnie Wooley, the Salsa Mississippi Dancers and the beautiful flower arrangers, Kay Boolos and Katie Wong.

All of their special touches made the evening that much more perfect.

Ritz on the River was an amazing night and we look forward to hosting it again in 2020.

Annette Kirklin is executive director of the Vicksburg Convention Center.