It’s that time of year again when the temperatures drop, fall is in the air, and all ages look forward to that magical weekend: the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the greatest weekend in Natchez where festival goers enjoy colorful hot-air balloons, renowned musicians and regional foods.

Hot-air balloonists from around the country will gather Oct. 16, 17 and 18 for the heavily attended event, which has won numerous local and state awards for excellence.

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 as balloons light up the night sky during the balloon glow at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on the corner of Canal and D.A. Biglane streets in downtown Natchez. The glow is followed by a spectacular fireworks show from the middle of the Mississippi River, sponsored by the cities of Vidalia and Natchez and draws spectators from both sides of the river. Live music performed by local favorite, Bishop Gunn begins the weekend’s long festivities.

Saturday and Sunday’s events feature live performances by a myriad of well known musicians, a children’s village, and a variety of regional foods. New to the festival this year, is Blufftoberfest, showcasing craft beers from several breweries. An exclusive five brewery collaboration brew will be showcased in celebration of the festival’s thirtieth anniversary. Oktoberfest style beer and foods will be available and admission is included in the festival ticket price. Also new to the festival is a Craft Fair featuring some of the area’s best artisans with items for sale.

The entertainment lineup includes Dr. John and the Nite Trippers, Mingo Fishtrap, Anders Osborne with special guests Johnny Sansone and Monk Boudreaux, New Breed Brass Band, Brint Anderson, Mojo Mudd, Greg Martinez, Hannah Belle and the Concordia Parish Gifted Music Program.

The Sports Bar tent is always a favorite and this year the tent will feature SEC football on Saturday and professional football on Sunday, viewed on several big screen televisions.

Balloon competitions take place at 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Flight updates are available on your mobile device by registering through natchezdemocrat.com.

A free shuttle service will be available throughout the weekend offering rides to the festival gates. This service will have pickups at the Natchez Visitor’s Center, and on Franklin and Main Streets.

A new exciting addition to this year’s festival is the free carnival on Thursday, October 15. Admission to the children’s village and carnival will be free beginning at dusk.

Saturday, October 17, the site opens at 11 am and Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m. Remember, no pets, ice chests or tents are permitted on the festival grounds. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults, Friday, $5, Saturday, $20, Sunday, $15, and weekend passes are $30. Children ages 7 to 12, Friday, $3, Saturday, $5, Sunday, $5 and weekend passes are $10. Children ages 6 and under are free. Advance ticket and logo items may be purchased at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 S. Commerce St. or at the Natchez Visitors Center, 640 S. Canal St. Tickets may be purchased online by logging into natchezballoonrace.com.

See you at the races!

 

Ryan Richardson is a balloon race committee member.