NATCHEZ — Colorful orbs, food and fun will headline the weekend as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race returns to the Miss-Lou.

The weekend looks to bring cool weather, but sunny skies. Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy, with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

The 2014 Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is finally here, and more than 60 balloons are scheduled to take flight throughout the weekend.

The first event of the 29th annual extravaganza will begin at 7 p.m. as numerous balloons light up the sky during the annual balloon glow, located at the Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on the south end of Broadway Street.

Following the balloon glow, fireworks and live music will take the rest of the night.

“We have had a great committee, and they all know what they are doing,” said executive director  Babs Price. “It is a committee ran organization, I don’t know what the balloon race would be without our committee.”

Balloon contests take place Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day. Flight times are fairly accurate, but will depend on weather conditions.

“I’m really looking forward to the weather this weekend,” Price said. “I can’t wait for the beautiful balloons to fly Saturday.”

Pilots could take flight over the cities of Natchez, Vidalia and the Mississippi River, depending on weather conditions.

Tickets and balloon items can be purchase at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center on 640 S. Canal St., or the Historic Natchez Foundation on 108 S. Commerce St. prior to the race. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate as well.

Natchez High School homecoming parade

Natchez High School students will roll through downtown Natchez Friday during their annual homecoming parade.

The parade will begin on Broadway Street, go up Franklin Street, take a right on Rankin Street and come down Main Street before returning back to Broadway.

The parade is expected to start at 2:30 p.m. The Natchez High Bulldogs will take on Laurel High School at 7 p.m.

Beat of Motown with Masters of Soul

Tonight, The Concordia Parish Library and the Arcade Theater will partner to bring a powerful performance from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event will take place at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday and is free and open to the public.

The show features live performances with seasoned musicians and world-class performers from the TFC Band.

The theater is located on 218 Louisiana Ave.

Library movie

Judge George W. Armstrong Library will show “Patch Adams,” starring Robin Williams and Amanda Potter at 7 p.m. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Armstrong Library is located on 220 S. Commerce St.

Tony Ocean concert

Magnolia Bluffs Casino will host singer Tony Ocean from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the casino, located at 7 Roth Hill Road.