Would you invest $30 to make the 30th anniversary of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race (GMRBR) a success and ensure that the event will continue? All it takes is for each of us to purchase a $30 weekend pass, only $10 a day for the three days to enter the official site on the grounds of Rosalie on the bluff.

There are many other events that take place in Natchez and Vidalia outside of the official site. Since this is Natchez, there are many private parties also and none of this would be taking place without the GMRBR. The only way all this can continue is for the race to be a financial success. Even if you don’t step a foot on the grounds of the official site, you should buy a $30.00 weekend pass. Entertainment is always great at the site, but this year even more so as from New Orleans we have Dr. John and also the New Orleans Brass Band. Many other great acts will be performing all three days.

A new event this year will be the Blufftoberfest, featuring five local and regional craft beers. From 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday, you will be able to try all of them plus have real German food. There is also a sports tent for us football fans.

The Historical Natchez Foundation, 108 South Commerce Street, will be selling weekend and day passes in advance. They will also have balloon race logo items to sell such as posters, t-shirts, sweat shirts, denim shirts, caps, can cookies plus other items. All of these sales help benefit the balloon race.

The Natchez Visitors Center, 640 South Canal St., will also have items to buy and you can also get your passes in advance and not have to wait in line.

The Friday night awesome fireworks display is another “free” event that is paid for by generous sponsors just as the balloon flying is a “free” three days that also has to have sponsors. The race started when we were in public office, but I am not a member of the GMRBR committee, but only someone who thinks we should do everything we can to keep the balloon race as our major event. I do know that the thousands of committee members who have kept this going for 30 years have donated many hours and much money. We need to say thank you to all of them.

Let’s all hope for great weather on Oct. 16, 17 and 18. However, if we do have bad weather, it is still vital that all of us purchase our passes and logo items in advance to keep our race alive.

Please consider the $30 for the 30th year.

Tony Byrne is a former Natchez mayor.