Look outside, and up. A few hot-air balloons may just be overhead this morning, and the best is still yet to come.

The best, most exciting, weekend of the year has arrived in Natchez — Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

The annual event kicks off this morning with a media flight, but really hits overdrive tonight for the balloon glow on the bluff.

We hope all locals — and plenty of visitors — will get outside and enjoy what should be a beautiful, fun weekend.

This event is a great example of what makes our community special, and we thank all those who have played a role in bringing it to fruition over the years.

The balloon race committee, made up of mostly volunteers, works extremely hard to organize the race, and we appreciate their work.

So get out and enjoy the festival this weekend. The balloons will be everywhere, and there is something for everyone.

Do realize, though, that the balloon race is made possible each year in large part by the number of tickets to the festival grounds sold the previous year. You don’t have to pay the admission fee to see balloons, but if no one pays the fee the balloons may not be back.

This year, though, we are ready for liftoff!