Monday night’s firework display over the Mississippi River was the culmination of hard work and lots of donations by several groups and organizations.

We applaud the group for coming together to bring the great public display together for thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy.

In particular we applaud the Vidalia Beautification Committee and its volunteers who spearheaded the effort.

The committee is one of several “can-do” grouI’ps in our community that have the ability to see a need and quickly spring into action to get things done.

The group’s volunteers serve as an inspiration to others in the community.

Aside from the beauty and grandeur of the firework display, we appreciate the thoughts that went into things as simple, but important, as the timing of the display.

While often New Year’s Eve firework displays are scheduled for late in the night, these smart people set it to be at 6 p.m., which allowed many families with small children to attend, enjoy the show and still make their dinner, bath and bedtime routines fall into place.

No doubt many moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas appreciated that effort.

Such large, public firework displays can be expensive and we appreciate all of the local businesses that stepped up to the plate and wrote checks to help cover the more than $12,000 cost.

With such a great kick off to 2019, we’re certain the year promises great things ahead.