Getting connected is the goal of the Vicksburg Young Professionals.

Whether socially or professionally the group offers entertaining and educational opportunities for ages 21 to 45, and on Thursday, the VYP has scheduled a Pub Crawl.

“We have done this before and it is just a fun way to get together to network and socialize, but doing it in a structured environment,” Vicksburg Young Professional President Tyler McNeal said.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and participants will travel to three downtown locations.

The Crawl will begin at Cocktails 101, then move to the Mississippi Barbeque Company and end at the Cottonwood Public House.

“The idea is to spend 30 to 45 minutes at each location,” McNeal said.

The group will provide appetizers. Drinks can be purchased at each location.

There is no cost for Vicksburg Young Professionals members, while it is $10 for non-members. Fees will be accepted the night of the event, but McNeal encouraged people to register through the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s website, vicksburgusa.com/events/details/young-professionals-downtown-crawl.

The group operates under the umbrella of the chamber and offers various events throughout the year.

“We try to hold an event monthly whether it be a social event or a lunch and learn event,” he said, adding the group likes to alternate social and educational events.

“We have had Dine-Around events, where we go to different restaurants as a group,” he said. Previous professional development events have included programs on the new tax laws and the future of economic development in Vicksburg.

The Vicksburg Young Professionals has more than 40 members.

Each November, the group holds an annual beignet breakfast fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of West Central Mississippi.

McNeal said he encourages anyone who is a young professional to join.

“You never know who you may meet or the business leads it may turn into,” he said. “We have created a lot of business relationships and networking relationships, and participating in VYP gives you a chance to meet new people.”