NATCHEZ — Balloonists took to the skies Friday to kick off the 32nd annual Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

Friday’s festivities began with the media race, in which balloonists are paired with media members and sponsors.

For this flight, the Duncan Park Golf Course became a launch pad.

Pilots feverishly began inflating their balloons at approximately 7:45 a.m. once the “hare” balloon took off, marking the beginning of the flight.  The rest of the balloons, or the “hounds,” followed the “hare” for an approximately 45-minute joyride through the air.

Approximately 30 aeronauts dotted the Miss-Lou skyline with vibrant colors and vivid designs — from jesters to a giant eagle to an American flag, the balloon designs ran the gamut.

The race drew pilots from the region and across the country.

Take for example Mike Wadley and his family, who made the nine-hour drive from St. Louis the night before.

This trip marked Wadley’s second time for the race, but this year was the first visit when he brought his wife, Michelle, and two high-school aged children, Lauren and Nick.

Mike Wadley has been a pilot since 1997, celebrating his 20th year flying. Wadley said he also spends a fair amount of time instructing as well.

So, does he ever get tired of flying?

“Nope — never,” he said decisively.

While Wadley said he has been ballooning all over the country, what makes this race special for him is right in the title of the event: the Great Mississippi River.

Wadley lowered his balloon, named Renegade, as he approached the river to get near the water’s surface.

“This is why I come down here: flying over the river,” Wadley said.

Before landing in Vidalia, pilots got to practice their beanbag tossing skills in advance of the first official race, which kicks off at approximately 7:30 a.m. today, weather permitting.After a successful media flight, pilots then dispersed with their families and friends for a few hours before Friday evening’s balloon glow and festival at the Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens.

There, many pilots tethered their aircrafts to the ground, putting their balloons on display for hundreds of festivalgoers.

Many enjoyed the spectacle, including Sarah Gousset and her 4-year-old son, Roman.

Gousset said Roman, who is autistic, enjoyed the glow.

“Lights and sounds can be confusing for him, but he enjoyed watching them,” Gousset said. “I’m really happy he could enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, Rod Allen and his 1-year-old daughter, Ryleigh, were experiencing their first balloon race weekend together.

Allen said he has partaken in the festivities since he was a young boy, and he enjoyed getting to pass on the experience to his daughter.

After Ryleigh’s first-ever merry-go-round ride, which she loved, her father lifted her onto his shoulders to watch the fireworks illuminate the night sky over the river.

Ironically, Allen said he used to detest fireworks as a child, but Ryleigh stood captivated throughout the show.

“This is the reason why we come here: for the kids,” Allen said.

Friday’s festivities will be followed by the official race flights today and Sunday, weather permitting. The morning flights are scheduled for approximately 7:30 a.m., and pilots will have a weather briefing before each flight to decide if conditions are safe.