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Fall is in the air in Natchez. The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing, and of course, hot air balloons are on the mind. The Natchez Balloon Festival is once again approaching.

Each year, Natchez Balloon Festival draws thousands to the Rosalie Bicentennial Garden on the Natchez Bluff, circulating hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy. For decades, October has consistently held the record for the highest sales tax month. Hotels are booked solid, businesses are buzzing, and colorful decorations line the sidewalks and windows of businesses.

It’s an iconic staple of Natchez, and a reason for people to come together and celebrate, but how did it get started?

The festival was founded by James Biglane, Cappy Stahlman, and Ron Riches – in 1986. They, at this point, were all hot air balloon pilots and enthusiasts, had gone to The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and wanted to showcase the beauty and splendor of hot air ballooning in our region, as well as demonstrate the beauty of the Miss-Lou to the world. They contacted Ron Miller, executive director of the Historic Natchez Foundation, to ask if the foundation would undertake the event as a fundraiser, which it did with only six weeks of lead time. Today, the event is a benefit for the Historic Natchez Foundation, the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, HoofBeats & PawPrints Rescue, Spay/Neuter Natchez, Vidalia Women’s Club, and Leadership Natchez. The event was purposely scheduled the weekend after the Albuquerque event to accommodate the balloonists. It’s also statistically the best time to fly balloons in this region.

The event started as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. The first year was simply a glow and a windy lift-off from the Natchez Mall.

The second year featured more activity at the mall, and some festivities and dancing in the cordoned off intersection of Franklin and Broadway.

The third year saw the event move to the grounds of Rosalie Bicentennial Garden, where it has taken place ever since.

The fourth year, the festival really started to take shape, along with an official balloon competition. A large stage was brought in, the talent lineup and concession options were expanded, but it was still a Saturday-only affair at this time.

In the years soon to follow, a Friday night balloon glow event, along with the pilots’ party, was implemented at the site. In 2019, the name was changed to Natchez Balloon Festival.

Keeping the festival running continuously has not been without challenges – but it’s managed to stay alive and keep coming back. It could not happen without the tireless efforts of the volunteer committee, and the amazing community, as well as tourism, of course. Due to demand, the number of hotels in Natchez has effectively doubled since the balloon festival initially started in 1986. The event is driven and supported by local businesses and individuals, not huge corporate sponsors. Good stewardship of funds has certainly gone a long way!

The 39th annual Natchez Balloon Festival takes place October 18th and 19th – You can find out more about the festival and get tickets at www.natchezballoonfestival.com.

Michael Wilson is a Natchez resident.