Welcome, Natchez Balloon Festival.

No, that’s not a new event; it is just a new name for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race event that has been held in Natchez for decades.

The new name, organizers said, will better reflect the nature of the hot air balloon-focused event that is held annually in Natchez.

In recent years, the weather has not been kind to the festival that is held in October each year and balloon flights, much less, balloon races have been hit or miss.

The name Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, organizers said, gave visitors and potential visitors, a misperception pf the event, which does include balloon races.

The event, however, is about much more than just balloon races and competitions.

The event features carnival rides, music, food and plenty of fun.

You don’t have to be a competitive balloonist or enthusiast to come enjoy the fun that is all is back dropped by the beautiful city of Natchez.

Therefore, the name change to Natchez Balloon Festival will be more reflective of the event and will put the city’s name at the front, organizers said.

The new name, we, too believe, is befitting of the event that is fun for the whole family.

And, if the new name might help draw more visitors to the annual event it is all the more better.

We can’t wait for this year’s Natchez Balloon Festival and we hope the new name will help draw more people to the fun event.