NATCHEZ — The closure of one downtown hotel and the sale of another has had Great Mississippi River Balloon Race organizers crossing their fingers and hoping for the best.

But organizers got some good news Friday when they received word the Isle of Capri’s casino and hotel will remain open through balloon race weekend, which is Oct. 16-18.

The race depends each year on 48 rooms at the Isle hotel to house balloon pilots and musicians for the race.

With the recent announcement of the closure of the Isle casino and the purchase of the hotel by Magnolia Bluffs Casino, balloon race chair Babs Price said organizers have been concerned about where pilots and performers would stay.

The closure of the Isle casino and the sale of the hotel was expected to happen prior to the balloon race.

Isle of Capri spokeswoman Jill Alexander declined Friday to give a specific date of the closure of the casino and sale of the hotel.

“At one point, that transaction was planned to close before the balloon race, and at this point, it appears that date has been moved until after the balloon race.”

Price learned Friday that Isle would be honoring its annual $10,000 donation in the form of 48 rooms for three nights.

“We’re very excited and just relieved,” Price said. “We really appreciate the Isle of Capri doing this for us. The local people at the Isle have been so great.

“If we (didn’t) get (the rooms), I don’t know what we would have done.”

With a depleted rainy day fund and lingering concerns about the financial sustainability of the balloon race, every dollar and donation counts for the race, Price said.

That is especially true since organizers estimate a loss of approximately $10,000 in revenue with the closure of the downtown Eola Hotel and the loss of its 129 rooms. Organizers estimate that the loss of the rooms will translate into fewer overnight guests and thus less visitors buying festival tickets.

Historic Natchez Foundation Executive Director Mimi Miller said the race made approximately $15,800 last year.

The race costs approximately $325,000-$350,000 to put on each year, Price said.

“Because of not having those rooms at the Eola, I’m sure it’s going to affect the gate, probably a good bit actually.”

With concerns such as the weather and hotel closures out of the control of the balloon race committee, Price said she remains positive about the outcome of this year’s race.

“We just do what we can and hope for the best,” she said. “The more people who come in the gate and buy soft drinks and alcohol and food, the more that helps keep the race going.”