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We can’t recall a more perfect Natchez Balloon Festival.

The weather, the balloons, the people, the site, the entertainment — everything was terrific.

While most of us enjoy the Balloon Festival as spectators, it’s important to remember the incredible amount of planning and hard work our community puts into this event each year.

This year’s Natchez Balloon Festival, our 39th, was undoubtedly one of the best. We have the Historic Natchez Foundation, which has led the festival since its beginning, to thank for it.

Almost 40 years ago, Cappy Stahlman, James Biglane, and Ron Riches, who are now gone, were having lunch at the former Doug’s restaurant on Main Street and came up with the idea. They called over Ron Miller, founder and director of the Historic Natchez Foundation, who ended up spearheading the event. Our community lost Miller just over two years ago.

The Historic Natchez Foundation gets lots of help from community members. Still, they have the organization and execution of the Natchez Balloon Festival down to a science.

The Natchez Balloon Festival has become the city’s primary tourist event and economic driver, along with Spring and Fall Pilgrimage. In addition to bringing in a tremendous amount of money to our community, it’s also a whole lot of fun.

Our hats are off to the Historic Natchez Foundation and the many others who contribute to making this annual event special.