photo by

Jack Sours and Tanna Ferrington of the Isle of Capri Casino make a formal presentation of the Isle’s $10,000 sponsorship of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. Sours and Ferrington are wearing the new 2007 T-shirts, some of which were specially printed for the Isle of Capri with their company logo on the back. T-shirts, posters and tickets are now on sale at the offices of the Historic Natchez Foundation and the Natchez Visitor Reception Center. Balloon race committee members seated from left to right are, Babs Price, Stephen Guido and Lindsey Devening. Committee members standing are Trippy Shields, Mimi Miller, Laura Godfrey and Ed Godfrey

Isle of Capri donates $10,000 to annual balloon race

By Julie Cooper (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, September 5, 2007

NATCHEZ — The Isle of Capri Casino recently made a $10,000 donation to the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

The Isle has been a major sponsor of the race for 14 years, balloon committee member Mimi Miller said.

Miller said donations like the Isle’s are crucial to the success of the race, since the event often is not necessarily a profitable venture.

The race costs more than $200,000 each year — largely in entertainment costs. Once expenses are covered any money made off the annual event is distributed among a number of local charities.

But, if turnout to the event and shirt sales are low, the race may not make any money at all.

That was the case last year, when it rained nearly all weekend. The committee lost thousands.

In the last five years two bad rain outs have hurt the race, Miller said. Sponsorships can help make up the losses.

Any other business or individual interested in sponsoring the race or a balloon can contact Miller at the Historic Natchez Foundation or any balloon race committee member.