The Natchez Democrat

Scores of people filled the amphitheater at Vidalia Landing Saturday evening for an hour of patriotic music and fellowship.

Song leader Grace Woods beamed as the program, Vidalia’s Fourth of July Celebration, concluded &045;&045; leaving attendees to re-situate themselves for the next event, the Isle of Capri’s annual fireworks display.

Saturday’s event went off with hardly a hitch and saw a great turnout, she said &045;&045; not bad for a program that only had four weeks to get organized.

&uot;It’s been just wonderful,&uot; Woods said.

But Woods was quick to point out that it was Teresa Dennis of Vidalia who had the idea to hold such a program.

And she added that Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland, his City Hall staff and others also gave much support and volunteer effort toward making the event a success.

The event included a choir made up of volunteers from the community &045;&045; what Woods termed a &uot;wanna have fun only, old-fashioned community choir.&uot;

Some in the crowd, perched on law chairs, beach towels and amphitheater seats, sang along with the choir themselves; others just silently enjoying the fun. &uot;We’ve been looking forward to this,&uot; said Rose Blackwell of Natchez.

&uot;We need something like this in the local community,&uot; her husband, Roy Blackwell, added.

&uot;It was all so good,&uot; said Carrie Lyles of Vidalia, holding a small American flag in her hand. &uot;I enjoyed it all. I wish they’d have it every year.&uot;

Not to worry. &uot;We’re going to start right away planning it for next year,&uot; Woods said.

Some ideas for activities to add to next year’s celebration have ranged from three-legged races to a cutest baby contest, she said.