The 33rd Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is in the history books and, by all accounts, the weekend was successful, especially in light of a forecast last week that threatened to wash out part of the annual event.

For early morning drivers on U.S. 61 North, the Friday media flight provided a spectacle in the sky as the balloons drifted toward the Mississippi River. The annual balloon glow Friday evening added to the festivities.

Despite cloudy skies and an early morning drizzle on Saturday, the festival grounds remained cool and dry as the clouds parted and the sun emerged. Locals and out-of-town guests enjoyed a weekend of good music and good food even though high winds kept balloons grounded on Saturday and Sunday. Even Miss Mississippi added to the festivities with her bright smile and custom high-flying balloon shoes she wore at a recent Miss America event.

Other good news from last week in the Miss-Lou included:

4Balloon race committee member and festival site director Scott Adams was named this year’s recipient of the “Spirit of David Steckler” Award. Each year, one volunteer is selected for their tireless efforts to make the balloon race successful. A member of the committee for nine years, Adams has been invaluable to making sure the festival site is ready each year. Congratulations to Adams for a well-deserved honor.

4The Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a top award from Crime Stoppers for the second year in a row. The ACSO received the Top Law Enforcement Agency in Biloxi, an award Sheriff Travis Patten said is proof of the hard work his staff has put in to best serve the community.

These are just a few of the good news events from last week. We look forward to more this week.