NATCHEZ &8212; Mostly clear skies and gentle breezes are good news for this weekend&8217;s Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

The National Weather Service predicts clear sailing for Friday&8217;s kickoff launch and Saturday&8217;s morning and afternoon launches.

&8220;It looks like the rain will hold off until Saturday night and Sunday morning,&8221; NWS meteorologist Lynn Burse said Thursday.

Winds should be light both days, with north winds five to 10 miles per hour today, and southeast winds at five miles per hour Saturday.

All flight times are subject to change or cancellation, depending on winds.

With good weather in the forecast, vendors and entertainment will be plentiful this weekend.

&8220;We&8217;ll have a variety of food, with some of the old vendors like Frank Merengo, who makes funnel cakes. He&8217;s been here for 20 years,&8221; Historic Natchez Foundation Director Mimi Miller said Thursday. &8220;We&8217;ll have a little bit of everything.&8221;

The Historic Natchez Foundation is the primary beneficiary of the event, and Miller is in charge of organizing vendors, she said.

On Sunday, a number of entertainers will perform, including, among others, New Orleans soul legend Irma Thomas and Natchez native Charles Jones, also known as Olu Dara.

&8220;We tried to do a great blockbuster on Sunday,&8221; Miller said. &8220;We really do think we have a great day on Sunday.&8221;

Souvenirs like balloon race pins, T-shirts, and sweatshirts will be available, too, she said.

Clear skies are a promising start for Natchez Tourism Director Walter Tipton, who said the balloon race was one of the biggest tourist draws of the year.

&8220;Next to Spring Pilgrimage, the balloon race is our biggest economic impact event,&8221; Tipton said.

&8220;It&8217;s tremendous exposure for Natchez.&8221;

The balloon race appeals to all ages, Tipton said, and draws visitors from all over the region.

&8220;You can&8217;t find a happier tourism director than when all his hotel rooms are full and all his restaurants are packed,&8221; he said.