A big crowd turned out Thursday evening for fireworks, music, food and a salute to veterans at Greenwood’s Stars & Stripes festival.
The arboretum between the Keesler and Veterans bridges was packed on a clear — if slightly balmy — evening.
“It’s going great,” said Robert Beasley, an Army veteran and American Legion Post 200’s public relations officer, as he listened to a band play funk hits during the festival. “It’s a great turnout; seems like all the citizens are coming together and are getting into it. I think it’s outstanding.”
The festival provided a wide array of activities, from free face painting and superhero-themed crafts to an array of funnel cakes, barbecue and other snacks on sale from a number of vendors.
Many were impressed with the diversity of the crowd in the park Thursday, which brought out young and old from all across town for an evening of celebration.
“It’s a wonderful event for everyone,” said Veronica Turner, who’d brought out her 23-month-old goddaughter to enjoy the games and fireworks. “There’s so much going on in the world, so it’s just great to see everyone getting along. The kids are playing. They’re not looking at color; they’re just playing.”
An honor guard of military veterans from American Legion Posts 200 and 29 played “Taps” and fired off a salute in a tribute to the flag and members of the military. Beasley, who helped organize the display, said the predominantly white and predominantly black veterans’ groups came together to “put on a great show.”
“The only thing that was missing was the flyover,” Beasley said, “but the pilot was on vacation.”
Starting at about 7 p.m., a series of decorated boats cruised the Yazoo River for the fifth annual boat parade, with many dipping their engines in the water to send spouts flying upward.
The highlight for most was the 15-minute fireworks display, which fired off from Veterans Bridge. The crowd at Stars & Stripes swelled as the 9 p.m. show approached.
• Contact Bryn Stole at 581-7235 or bstole@gwcommonwealth.com.
