If all goes well with the weather, balloons will begin filling the sky at 7 this morning, and will light the night tonight as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race kicks off again.

Most of the festival events will take place at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens.

A balloon flight for sponsors and members of the media is at 7 a.m., and the balloon glow begins at 7 p.m.

Balloons will be located at several sites for the balloon glow, including the Vidalia levee, festival site at Rosalie, the Ramada Inn Hilltop and the Main Street Marketplace. Food and drink vendors will be open on both sides of the river.

Fireworks over the Mississippi begin at 7:30 p.m., and the band These Days with Jewel Bass will perform at the festival site after the fireworks.

For the first time this year, children’s rides will be open during the balloon glow.

Admission to the balloon glow is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

A weekend pass includes admission for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday ans is $15 for adults and $5 for children.

The 14th annual race continues through Sunday, with entertainment, balloon flights, food and children’s activities.

The Krackerjacks will perform at a street dance Saturday night from 7 to 11.

Natchez Police Chief Willie Huff said festival-goers cannot stand on the bluff this year because of on-going stabilization work.

And during the festival, parking will not be allowed on Broadway, D.A. Biglane or Silver streets except in approved spots.