Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why is the money donated tolocal charities?
The Unuted Way raises it's own money and I thought they all did.
The Balloon Race money should be kept solely for Balloon Race.
This event is a must for Natchez, i is our largest attraction isn't it?
KEEP THE MONEY in the Balloon Race Fund.
I swear this town seems to constantly shoot itself in the foot. (sigh)

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm going!

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They fill with air; they float away. Oy-vey....what a thrill it is.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with ntzmom, keep your money and put it towards the next event. Julie, you talk as if every citizen is made of money. Think, just think what it cost a family of five to get into the festival grounds. $15 each is nothing to take lightly when the cost of living is so high nowdays. Maybe that's just too steep for most families, when you have to pay through the nose for food, rides, etc, once you're through the gate. But then again it seems that any event held in Natchez is for the ritzy "nobility". I have grandchildren coming up from Gulfport for the occasion and believe me, it is going to cost quite a bit of money but they will spend it anyway because it's once a year thrill for them. What tha heck, they can eat dried beans, rice and cornbread (AND ROMAN NOODLES) the rest of the year. Which is the best nourishment for them anyway and they'll have their memories. They are also bringing several friends with them so they can be awed by the beautiful sight. Me, I'll see them from my front porch while enjoying my noodles.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AND 'RETURN THE FAVOR', Julie, shame on you for that remark. I usually can see where you're coming from, but that was a very UN-NECESSARY comment.

Posted by b123 (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

destiny: invest in prozac. it is just an article.

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it that poor people enjoy Walmart and free public events so much?

Posted by LilyB (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why should Julie be ashamed of her remark? I actually thought it was a great article. The only people who should be ashamed of their remarks are the people who rake in the freebies while others pay for it and then sit on their behinds and have the nerve to complain about it. As for the event ticket price, I've been to many festivals and truly for what you get, the balloon races are quite inexpensive. Also stated, it's once a year so start your own balloon race fund. That way you can afford to go and enjoy the fun with everyone else. After all, this is the largest event that we have in Natchez.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't the ballonists pay an entry fee to race? I just assumed (there's that word again) that the race more or less paid for itself. Personally I with Destiny, I can't afford a tshirt and ticket for everyone in my family on today's budget. Those who want to go will pay for it themselves and I will set on my porch and eat mac & cheese.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with ntzmom at the top.

Posted by brod (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ntzmom, you've got a good idea. But, who will you trust with the fund? Like everything else, too many chiefs and not enough indians. But, I think we all have to agree, the balloon race is a beautiful sight. People do come from all over to watch and participate. As far as the money presently going to local charities, when they call you at all hours of the day and night for a donation to whatever, tell them you've already donated locally.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My understanding is balloon race pilots only expense is getting to Natchez - Rooms and fuel is paid for by the event - This is standard for balloon Races - there is no balloon race without them. Sadly difficult weather conditions make Natchez less popular than other races. The number of balloons is also restricted (I am not sure if it because of the number of sponsors, lack of hotel rooms or safety concerns) The balloon Race is fun, the music is the best we can afford and the weather is up to God. Increased rooms will help with attendance (next year) - typically rooms are full as far away as Brookhaven. I will spend the money to go.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks freedom and astrid. As for you lilyb I think I've paid my dues when the races first began I went every year for several years and arrived back home broke. But those were my working years and even then the prices were out of this world to attend. And yes, Julie should be ashamed to make such a remark to the citizens, for the years I went the grounds were packed and I knew almost everyone there. We all have paid our dues and now I have no shame of sitting on my front porch to watch the balloons. It's not our fault the money has been mismanaged thru the years. I do not feel one iota of guilt of not supporting the balloon races now. I definitely will not race down there to buy a 15 dollar ticket just to sit on my front porch. And b123 I do not and have never depended on drugs. It may be just an article, but to me it was an insult. I've pretty much gone along with what Julie writes, but when the time comes, I call a spade a spade. And ravennevermore it might be that's the only time "POOR" people can enjoy anything.... is when it's free. And Ntzmom knows exactly what she's talking about. Who knows, as for as myself I just might stay inside under the a/c and watch tv as I have done the past couple of years.

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder why poor people don't just go to school, get a degree, and earn more money?

That way they could enjoy the thick, warm, wet, wool blanket of a Natchez day at the Antebellum-Balloon-Biker-Hack Writer-Crepe Myrtle Festival without depending upon the kindness of strangers or frugal event organizers.

Just thinking outloud, that whole bell curve thing and all.

Posted by thedude (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just go have a good time and see all your old friends. If you don't have the money, stay at home but don't be a sour-puss if everybody else is having a good time. The area as a whole needs 10-20 more events a year like this. Everybody has a negative attitude when comes to money and fun anyway. The biggest problem with America today is people are scared to go outside and have fun. Just let your hair down and go rock it out w/ Better than Ezra, I promise you will feel better.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The pilot's are NOT paid to come here!! That would be ignorant!! They pay for their room but at a huge discount!! Most of them have someone to stay with in town.
Don't lie to us.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

to sayitloud, tell'em like it is. I went many years to the races and all the other events in Natchez as a young person. Now at my age I do not enjoy the noise and congregation of large crowds. I guess that's the way most old folks are. I enjoy my children and grandchildren telling me all about their good times. I'm glad they have those things to enjoy. And I will repeat, I have definitely paid my dues and hate that I have become too old to really enjoy them as I once did. But like the rain, that's the way of life.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

destiny;
AMEN!!

Posted by b123 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

destiny: it was just a suggestion....breathe in and breathe out....(repeat)

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey b123!!!
Why all the attacks on destiny??

Posted by vilou (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am wandering why there is always something negative about Vidalia in the newspaper. This is not the first time Ms. Finley has written a negative piece about Vidalia. Why should Vidalia cower to Natchez any longer. We have done that for years. Why is it a bad thing to enjoy the river from this side? Why are they giving all the money to charity if they are going in the hole? That doesn't make since. Come down on that high price of admission and maybe some locals would come out and enjoy.

Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally don't think it's the price that is the problem - the problem is that festival has not changed in 15 years.

There are bands- which change year to year, and are good bands- and there are kid rides... and a few games...and that's it. You can bring the lawn chairs out see old friends, which is nice, but you can do that at home because everyone is in town anyway. What is the draw to the ACTUAL festival site? The balloon race is a HUGE draw for the whole town..everyone comes home, everyone goes out to eat and they book up the hotels and spend money in bars. But if the actual festival is struggling, maybe they should rethink things and shake things up from year to year. Let people know about the changes months in advance to draw them in. Maybe then you can justify the ticket price, and everyone will want the beautiful tee shirts.

It would be nice to see some excitement over the actual festival in the way of setup- make it more fun for the kids year to year, and the moms and dads alike.

Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at noon (Suggest removal)

As a sidenote, I do agree that it is very important to support local activities & goings-on because sometimes you don't realize what you had until it's gone.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks all of you for seeing my side. The in-put from Vidalia is well appreciated. Thank you VILOU. The negative comments made by any columnist, writer, etc of our local newspaper should be well thought out before it's out there for public viewing. After all, they are the servants of this area and depend on the citizens to buy their paper. That's what pays their salary. Private citizens that have done no wrong should not have to feel degraded by an article that appears in the paper. Julie has plenty of corruption and meanness in Natchez to vent her negativity on. Leave the private citizens alone of maybe this time next year they can afford the price of admission plus sky high prices once you get in the gate for the same ol same ol year after year, when they start putting the cost of the newspaper into a big vase setting on their dresser and saving it for the balloon race.lol

Posted by vilou (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe the price is not the problem. Maybe it is the drunk people walking around with children. Teenagers going to the streetdance, not enough shade, high prices on food and beverages.

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why not just earn more money so that you don't have to worry about being too poor to afford the ticket price for a picnic?

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It sure is annoying when those poor folks bring in the mayonaise jar to pay. Got behind one at Piggly Wiggly a few months ago. It was a Crown Royal bag full of change, but you get the idea.

Uptown Grocery (or is it Downtown?) is a step towards accomodating the folks who earn a good paycheck and would rather not be bothered with the Walmarters. The choice selection is a little low though. But the prices are sky high so that avoids all the poor mouthing that delays people with bigger bank accounts.

Orange juice seems to be the big problem for poor people these days. I've been delayed twice already waiting while a poor person argues over orange juice coupons.

Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fence off main street, sell wristbands at the gate and have a pub crawl. Perfect for the 20-somethings who don't have kids but would like to socialize, and if it rains, its okay. This will keep the cost of beer down and the bar owners can get a small cut of the sale of wristbands.

Have the balloon glow at duncan park, or someplace where no one can see it unless they pay to get in.

Heck, just block traffic coming into Natchez and charge each car five dollars. Ha. (Just kidding on that last one.) :)

Posted by vilou (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think you are not getting it. It is really not about the price of admission it is Natchez worrying about people going across the river. Most of you don't realize that Natchez convention center does not want Vidalia to book anything when they have an event going on. What is Natchez afraid of? They have looked down on Vidalia for years, that is the point. Natchez does not need to wine about giving money away or the Natchez people supporting the balloon race, they need to learn how to manage money, bottom line.

Posted by LilyB (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, yeah. I can see your point! So what your saying is that Natchez should have a HUGE festival on Jim Bowie Festival week-end and then both cities could rake in the dough that week-end. Well, that makes sense. I think I'll get something in the works for next year right now. Of course, Natchez will sell alcohol.

Posted by vilou (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Check the facts. Natchez did have something Jim Bowie weekend. They want to take and not give. My advice to Vidalia is to do what you want to do, don't worry about Natchez. They sure don't worry about Vidalia. I think it is called Jelousy.

Posted by LilyB (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I remember that was a one time event that a lot of people in Natchez were pretty upset about. The person putting on that event was asked not to do that by people in Natchez and they did it anyway. It has never happened before. I really don't see why you think Natchez is "jealous" of Vidalia. I'm from Vidalia and I can tell you that's just a lot of baloney. Sounds to me like sour grapes on your part to think like that. I know for a fact that in the past Natchez has tried to promote the Bowie Fest because they know that it's a big event for Vidalia. We should work together, not against each other. I think your missing the point about the balloon race. It's the biggest event for this area....for both cities. Take off your blinders and try to get rid of that chip on your shoulder. You'll be much happier when you do.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

'Me thinks that LilyB just identified herself as being some kind of manager for the balloon fest, by her last remark, huh, gang?????? AND no one is surprised that Natchez will be selling alcohol to a function where they invite innocent little children to attend. That just does not surprise this po'old woman at all that you would brag about too, in an open forum. Maybe that's the reason we don't have more of ya'll down at the ball fields where our children play their ball games. We po' folks don't allow alcohol where our children are in attendance. Ravennevermore you must be in cahoots with her, for you have done nothing but bad mouth the po' folks all day. That's just fine and dandy with me because I can take all you sling out and laugh about your ignorance. I have always thought the habits of the so called 'elite' of Natchez was comical. None of you would stand a chance in the upper circles anywhere else. You would probably be run out on a rail. I can also state with a certainty that the po' folks are very much alive here in Natchez and plan to stay here. And we shall rise like the ol' bread dough, for now we have a forum where we can voice our opinion and unite in our beliefs, thanks to the courtsey of the Natchez Democrat. And for once we have their ears.

Posted by LilyB (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know Ravennevermore, but they been a great source of laughter during this whole line of b.s. being slung out here. Now that everyone is "fired up".......... hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Do you honestly think that people who drink at festivals would drink at a ballgame for their children? I have grandchildren, go to ALL of their ballgames, etc. and I certainly wouldn't do that. Also, I never said anything about you being poor. How could I? I don't even know you. That was all left up to the big "R"...haha As far as being a Natchez elite, you obviously don't know me either. Personally I would LOVE to be a manager for the balloon race! Think of all the blood, sweat and tears I could put into it just to listen to someone like you! That would be great!

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would be glad to pay the fee to get into the Balloon Race festival site if they had entertainment that was worth the money. When Don Gardner left, the pool of talent recruited vanished. The days of Leon Russell and other greats are long over. Why would I pay the fee to hear bands that I can hear locally for free most weekends? They need to quit giving their money to non-profits (inlcuding the children's home) and use that money to bring in bigger names in the music industry. Then the attandance will go up to where it was when Don was still here.

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

P.S. FYI my wife says that United Way is in the middle of its campaign to raise money so if you receive funds for them you can't raise money during this time. The non-profits that benefit from Balloon Race aren't United Way agencies.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh please

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Raven you are about as ignorant as they come. I do have a degree, so do my husband and 3 of my kids. Natchez is not a good place to make a lot of money even if you have a degree. But we like most of the people, and have lived here a long long time. BTW 2 of the kids do not live here but had to move away in order to make any money even with their degrees. But I will not spend my hard earned money to go to the balloon race, I don't have that much extra floating around these days, and neither do a lot of other people. I am certainly glad you do however, so you enjoy it all you want to.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey destiny can we come sit on your porch????

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RAVENNOMORE IS WHACKED!!!!! THAT'S SOME OF THE DUMBEST STUFF I'VE EVER SEEN. TRYING TO BASH THE LESS FORTUNATE TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK WEALTHY. WELL YOU DID JUST THE OPPOSITE. NOT VERY MANY PPL WHO ARE AFFLUENT OR COMFORTABLE SPEAK THE WAY YOU DO. YOU SOUND LIKE AN IGNORANT REDNECK.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RAVENNOMORE is more than whacked...he's cracked.
NOBODY thinks like that!!! NOBODY

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Poor people certainly do seem to know all the reasons that they are poor, though.

Seems like they would do something to change their lives so that spending a couple hundred dollars on a weekend wouldn't send them into fiscal crisis.

I've heard many of them blame their lack of education for their poverty---well, duh. Now I've even heard a poor person blame her actual degree---must be a major in English or psychology---for her poverty.

And of course they pass their habits onto their children and spouses who also get degrees in sociology. So there's no money coming in that area either.

And let us not forget location, location, location! They can't get ahead because of that whole small-town, no jobs thing. That would lead us into a whole discussion of the inter and intrastate highway programs so I won't waste time on that.

The amazing thing is that these poor folks pile mendacity upon mendacity until they can't even tell that they are lying to themselves so their cycle is never broken.

Let's face it, if one can't take fifty bucks out of the atm without a co-signer, that person either sees the delimma and changes his circumstances or realizes that he is not capable of achieving more in life and accepts his plot. (The same holds true for anyone renting furniture or appliances.)

The problem is that even after they have accepted the fact that they will never win the lottery, never have children in the NFL, or never become a Kennedy, they begin to blame others.

You can tell how long they've been blaming by how trivial the complaint is. I say that if you're blaming others for your inability to attend some great outdoor corndog extravaganza, you've at least touched bottom with the balls of your feet a couple of times already.

I've read interesting stuff about the "inability of delayed gratification" syndrome that many poor folks seem to display. Maybe that's it. Example: Most people get the education, career, and savings before they start squeezing out those bambinos, but poor people often have bambinos and then begin blaming the town, Mary Poppins the Editor, lack of sidewalks. Before they know it, they forget the original plan if they ever had one to begin with.

They don't do these things because they are poor; they are poor because they do these things.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unbeleivable that you turned this into a poverty thing. We can go to this Festival and spend a fortune if we want but many ppl with children cannot or will not put out the several hundred dollars it takes. Don't know what kind of job you hold and don't care but you could never get away with that kind of fouled mentality in the workplace. You would not have a friend on earth unless they were as ignorant as you. I cannot even state here just what I think of your PATHETIC REMARKS. GOD YOU ARE LIKE A DISEASED LEPER. HOPE YOU KNOW THAT NOT A SOUL WANTS TO HEAR YOUR TRASH.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:34 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SAYITOUTLOUD ARE YOU STILL HERE?

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THIS IDIOT NEEDS TO BE RAKED OVER THE COALS.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We put 500 comments on the story from yesterday about the brick incident and not one soul insulted another at all. It was a blast but if this person had been there things would have been ugly and disgraceful. If you had every dime on the planet, which I'm quite sure you don't, nobody could ever like someone like you. If you only had the brains for it you would see how backwoods you sound. You have absolutely NO MANNERS OR COUTH.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

still here and still disgusted

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:02 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

looks like the redneck went to bed!!!

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry about going off but that was insane.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's not much going on right now. There sure was all day though. Ppl getting along though. That guy is deff a crackhead.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

come back sayitloud i'm bored.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

can't have you bored astrid!!!
me thinks ravennevermore went nite nite or went to get more crack

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Really. He got shamed. At first i thought it was a chick with that name. Seen them before and i know i've commented on their post before but don't remember if it was something good or bad. Prob bad. What a jerk. We gotta get something going for tonight. What story can we start putting a zillion hits on to get some action?????

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I put RAVENNOMORE at first but i think that the slip was fitting.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with YOU!!! Whatever you want.
I'm ticked over ravennevermore though STILL! Who does he want to be??? Donald Trump??? That'll never happen, even the Trumpster doesn't put down poor people!!

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's far from any Donald Trump and prolly don't have jack just trying to make ppl think he's wealthy. Pathetic. We should go back to the brick story we put 500 hits on but we all left. ????????????

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our only option is to go to the circuit clerk story cuz it has the most posts and if we start going back and forth ppl might notice.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If i was abetti person i would bet against Raven making less than 100,000 a year....He/She just happened to get a half way decent job you know making more than m/w....Y'all know as well as i know people who have money never talk about it surely don't brag or insult others about it....

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I meant to say that if we put alot of hits on it ppl will notice.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are so right fire. And where did you come from? Me and sayitloud are forming a plan as you might have seen.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

true dat

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets all go to the curcuit clerk story ya wanna???

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fire39212 are you still there?

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We'll all get off of the topic so that it won't get stupid. You know biggoted like this jerk here.

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wheres the fireman. Are you a fireman?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sayitloud - did you say I was lying?

The balloon pilots only pay a nominal entry fee - All the pilots are by invitation, and Hotel rooms and the propane is supplied.

Major sponsored balloons pay much bigger fees.

As I said earlier this is the norm for Balloon Races. The costs are covered by sponsors of Balloons ( I think in Natchez that costs $500) and by entry fees from spectators and the major sponsors like the Isle of Capri.
The Foundation tries to make the money from the Tee shirts sales. NDDA sells Margaritas and the Opera Festival sells donated Coke Products. The Children's Home gets the proceeds from the fun-fair.
The cost of entry is not that bad considering the bands that come - try buying concert tickets anywhere else. The Food cost can be reduced by keeping a cooler in your car downtown and leaving to eat and drink as needed. The food vendors are for profit and although they pay to be a vendor they are not a charity benefiting Natchez (Although many do live here and need the money too)
$15 for a day of fun is pretty cheap. The Fun Fair like all fairs gets expensive if you do a lot of rides.

Go and have fun - lighten up - and if you can't afford to go stay at home - save up and go next year.

Posted by DZNUTZ (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Astrid / Sayitloud - Get a room....

Posted by astrid (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DZNUTZ we were just looking for ppl. Are you a ppl?

Posted by vilou (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lilyb, my blinders have been off for years. There was a meeting recently between Vidalia and Natchez. Natchez told Vidalia not to book anything at Vidalia convention center when they had things booked. Natchez had something every weekend. Is Vidalia suppose to bow down to these elite few. Why don't you move to Natchez if you can't take your blinders off. I have lived and worked in Vidalia my whole life, can you say the same? I bet you cross the river everyday to make a living.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Raven - You know, at first I was insulted but then I realized I can't be insulted by someone that arrogant and stupid. That would be to play into your plans so you could just repeat the cycle of insults and make yourself feel important. So anyway, none of us has a degree in English or sociology, but we do have a son-in-law with one in psychology. I think I forgot to mention him or my daughter-in-law before. She has one in business. I have not blamed anyone or anything for my so-called poverty. BTW what makes you think I am poor. I have a very happy fulfilled life, it's too bad you don't. Life is lots more than money, and you are the one the rest of us feel sorry for.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, I'm not done yet - I do spend money on things I want to spend money on. We attend quite a few events in Natchez, the Balloon Race just happens to be one I would rather not waste my money on.

Posted by srob (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Natchez Balloon Race isn't as fun as it used to be. It went from a fun blast seeing old friends and new ones alike, to having to watch drunken idiots dance and spill beer everywhere (including on me--I've had it happen twice every balloon race, every year since 1995). A lot of these drunken fools are teenagers. Not to mention that with the escalating crime around here, and people taking such a lackadaisical view on drunk driving, I don't even want to be in my car after dark. The balloon races used to have good entertainment, like Percy Sledge, and that guy from Paul Revere and the Raiders, not to mention the guy that sings eye of the tiger, Cowboy Mouth, and many many more! Even Vince Vance doesn't come anymore, and he was one of the favored performers!!! I'm still going maybe for an hour or so just to see old friends and relatives that I haven't seen in a while, because I just moved back, but all in all it is ridiculous. The fanfare about it is much less than it used to be. I did not even know this weekend was BR weekend, until YESTERDAY. I have heard nothing on the radio, have seen no flyers, nothing whatsoever advertising this. It's just not as good as it used to be. Regardless of the participation in the actual festival, it does bring people to town that spend money whereever in Natchez or Vidalia, thus contributing to the economy anyway.

Posted by srob (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plus you'd think if a family couldn't afford to go to the balloon races, they'd get a job not to pay for their tickets, but to help pay bills! That's exactly what they should do! Poor people aren't poor by choice. I grew up quite nicely, and have some wealthy relatives, but I have no money myself. Doesn't mean I'm trash. Money, or lack thereof, does not define whether a person is trashy or not. As a matter of fact, I know some very wealthy trashy people, including some "Desperate Housewives"-like sluts, as well as some hard working, honest, and true people who aren't so well off. Take your stereotypes and social discriminatory behavior someplace else. My father and uncle have a good bit of money--but spending "a couple hundred" on the balloon races isn't their cup of tea. They'd rather go on a real vacation to the coast. Which is something you probably haven't ever experienced.

It is true that there is a lack of economy in Natchez, and therefore a decline in jobs. You can't ignore STATISTICAL FACTS. There really is a lack of job opportunities here in Natchez (and Vidalia), and don't even TRY to deny that. I appled for every single office, store, warehouse, grocery, retail, government, etc. job in Natchez and still got no bites. I have qualifications that would surprise you, but no one was willing to only hire me for the 11-530 shift on weekdays. I do not blame anyone else for the fact that I have no money. I still make it work. BUT Maybe some people don't think that the balloon races are WORTH a couple-hundred dollars.

Posted by Bebop (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some folks here are just plain wacked! Some folks here just don't know what they are talking about and should just keep their mouths shut.
Some folks here know how out of touch and uniformed.

For example:

Streetdance.... where have you been? There has not been a "streetdance" in over 15 years. matter of fact, there has not been a real streetdance since year 1. It's a leftover term that needs to be retired. Get it right. It's a festival.

Talent: Edgar Winter, Marcia Ball, in this years lineup, all booked by Mr. Gardener in previous years. after 10 years with Vince Vance, it was time for a break. Don booked him so much here, he now works for Vince Vance. Hows that spell out for payback for favors? FYI, Leon Russell has not been available for several years at the time needed here. Not that it has not been tried, it just has not worked out. I guess some would rather see the same thing year after year no matter what. I am happy they don't do cover bands. You get enough of that at the bars, weddings, proms, Mardi Gras. Thank You GMRBR for booking some talent with freshness that is very well known and accepted by most except for some cretins and naysayers that think Vince Vance is Elvis. Puhlease! Give Don a call, he would be happy to book Vinnie and his lame band for your birthday party. He'll stick it to you too. How easy it is for those who don't know squat to say what is wrong. YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE. When was the last time you saw Better Than Ezra, Edgar Winter, Marcia Ball for free in a bar or club? I am glad they give some slots to a FEW of the bands that play around regularly. They deserve it. Thankfully they dont' do it with cover bands playing Mustang Sally and Brickhouse. Some people are just lame, small thinking and angry with the world in general if it's not free and to their liking.

Some things said here are just pure bunk.

Regarding Vidalia, for 22 years Vidalia has freerided on GMRBR. They have never put up one nickel for the benefits they reap. For the first time they spend some money and do so being competitive and LYING GMRBR committee about not knowing it was going on. Mayor Copeland actually blamed it on a new overzealous employee who did it ALL without his knowledge. He did not realize it til someone outside of his office brought it to attention. Pulease again I hope all the good people overthere miss all the balloons on balloon glow night cuz you're gonna have to look hard to find many there. Those who pay for them to be here have said enough. If you don't support and respect those who make the event happen TO THEIR FACES, not in media quotes, get your own balloons. Enough of you.

Posted by Bebop (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You wanna make some changes? Get off your lazy bum and volunteer to help out all the folks who put in tons of their own time to help produce the event that you complain about so much. That how you make changes, get involved. Don't whine from the front porch. That's just pathetic. PATHETIC!! If you have a problem with people drinking, do what you do and keep your opininated selves at home. you just get in the way and put out a bad vibe. Maybe some of you are just getting older and don't have much fun anymore and if you do, you do it differently now. Let others have their day and enjoy or despise, whichever suits you, your memories.

you wanna see how much impact this event brings to the area? Don't have it again. you will see right away. Your economy will take a bit hit.

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why stay on the Natchez side and pay 15 dollars to enter Rosalie and let the kids ride the few rides they have? Why not go to Vidalia, from what I could see there are going to be rides over there, more rides than Natchez is gonna have, enjoy the flea market and still see the balloons, and still hear the music from across the river. Last year you could drink as long as it was in a cup or buy a frozen drink for you drinkers out there. Why make the donations to the United Way what is happening to the donations now? Aren't they still worrying about the food pantry not having any or eneough food for the demand of food needed in this area

Posted by Bebop (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at midnight (Suggest removal)

sounds like vidalia is where you belong Bear45. Sneaking around w/ your drinks so the good Christian folks don't get upset. Getting something for nothing. Have fun!

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't drink I was just saying what I saw last year and for your information I will go to Vidalia and I don't need your permission to do so.....Seems like you can have more of a family day over on the Vidalia side....So I will excuse you for your rude as h*** comment

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well Bebop we have just about had eneough of you!!

Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(RAVENNEVERMORE) from reading your comments i must say it sounds like your high maintenance fancy self must be living in the wrong town! any one that sit there and down grade people on how poor they must be (with out knowing a dang thing about them) you need to be in a city where your mouth run and spend as freely as you like without having to worry about all 'US POOR FOLK'

I am psyching myself out for this trip to NTZ. for the festival because i want my new family to experience something more of home then old houses, churches and fast food. I will be ENJOYING BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER!! I love fleas markets and frozen drinks!!

paying 15 to 20 bucks per person to enter the festival grounds... ok, then you can't bring a cooler in.. you have to buy drinks and food there.. 3 bucks a hot dog... 2 for a lil bottle of water.... see what i'm getting at?
the only thing i may attend on the NTZ. side is the sat. NIGHT fun... oh and the fireworks and balloon glow fri.!! but the rest of the time.. I TOO WILL BE ENJOYING WATCHING THE BALLOONS GO UP OFF THE FRONT PORCH OF A FAMILY MEMBERS HOME (EATING ME SOME NOODLES) OR like my aunt did years and years ago... wake up at the butt crack of dawn load up all up park in the mall parking lot and dare any of us kids to act a donkey butt while she was watching the balloons go up...

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

go gettem Buttercup26 i think you covered all of the bases so I don't need to add a thing!!!!! See you when u get to town!!!

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I simply lay down and take a nap. What in the world happens? I miss all the fun. I think I've had more fun on here than at three balloon races. I think I might oughta get something straight here about myself. I'm just a proud ol' hard working woman who has raised 4 kids all by myself . They are older now with children of the own. One even has her own grandchildren. I have enough money to live on. I pay my bills on time and cannot remember the last time I had to borrow money to get myself out of a bind. I'm not rich, not by a long shot, but I am happy and contented. Oh, just for the heck of it, I'm a published author. Not making any money off of it, but at least I don't consider my self po' white ignorant trash. I'd much rather spend my money on my family and let them have as much fun in their youth as I had in mine. I would certainly more enjoy making good memories for my little grandchildren than spending it to see balloons in the air. I'll just stay home and have a good ol' home cooked meal ready for them when they come to tell me about all their fun. Someday these little tykes will say, "Remember, grandma always had something good to eat after the fest" That's making memories.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 2:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buttercup where you been, where did you come from at this time of nite. Did I not tell you was picked on all day. Just as sure as I lay down for a nap here comes all the fun and good posters and I miss out again.

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AMEN destiny I totally agree with you I am a grandma now and I told all the kids I would be more than happy to keep the children Sat nite so they could enjoy some grown up time at the festival,but I'm like you I am far from po'white ignorant trash.

Posted by itsawounderfullife (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats just it,memories, as a kid I remember looking forward to going to the balloon fest, my parents were not made of money beleive me but my mom always made an effort to take me to the fest. Now that I am a mother of two boy I want to share the event with them. Not only do they get to see the big balloons and fireworks, I get to show them of to people I havent seen in years. My oldest boy will talk about the balloons for months. It is going to take a chunk of money out of the chk. acc. but its going to be worth it. Our community needs to support their events in order for our children and grandchildren to have something to look forward to. Ravennomore you must live a shelterd life.

Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

justwondering.....finally I meet someone who knows about Confederacy of Dunces! Absolutely perfect book! The Poe thief is obviously Ignatious!

I am so sorry that I held up the Poe thief in the grocery store the other day buying my Banquet Pot Pies with my coins in a mayo jar. This fool may have more money than Trump, but everyone else on this post is far richer in spirit and attitude. That, foolish Poe thief, is something you can't buy...including class. You evidently lack that, as well. Sorry fool, you are so transparent we read right through you!

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 19, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Raven where did he/she go????

Yesterday my internet was acting like Raven showing out lol

Posted by CitizenSane (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. All of this is so negative. Remember how we're supposed to "count to ten" before we react?

Ms. Finley was basically reporting on the financial woes, as recited to her by the Balloon Race organizers. All businesses, even nonprofit ones, have financial woes. It's up to those who manage the event to figure out the solutions.

There are many ways to be ambassadors for Natchez-Vidalia and the Balloon Race other than buying tickets and T-shirts. (Read today's opinion on Volunteering!)

I hope everyone will participate in supporting the Balloon Race in whatever ways they can!

If you are able, then please buy the tickets, buy the T-shirts, ride the rides, eat out in the restaurants, shop in the shops.

But support comes in many forms, not just finanical. And it takes both kinds to make a go of it!

-You can Volunteer.
-You can go to the Natchez bluff or the Vidalia riverfront (yes, for free) and bring your friends, wave and cheer!
-Go to the drop locations (yes, for free), bring your friends, CHEER FOR THE PILOTS!
- Seek out their crews on the ground and THANK THEM! We need to make sure the balloonist have a good experience or they won't want to come back!
-Ask the pilots and balloon crew members why they fly, take an interest in their non-profit causes. Tell them how much you appreciate the joy they bring to our community.
-Spread the word to folks you know in other communities. Invite them to Natchez.
-Reach out to tourists on the streets. Thank them for coming and invite them back.

Everyone's participaton and support, in whatever form it comes, is important to the success of the balloon race.

One more thought: Hopefully, one day ALL of the businesses in Natchez-Vidalia (including the cities of Natchez and Vidalia, the Vidalia flea market) who benefit from the Race weekend will contribute to the Balloon Race's future success by buying ads in programs, sponsoring a balloon, or simply making a donation to the 501-c-6 tax exempt balloon race organization.

Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HEY EVERYBODY!! I HAD SOOO MUCH FUN THIS WEEKEDN! AND DIDNT' SPEND ONE DIME AT THE FESTIVAL! WE HAD SOME OF THE MOST FUN I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME ACROSS THE RIVER!! YA'LL SHOULD'VE SEEN MY BABIES WATCHING THEM BALLOONS AND ROLLING DOEN THE LEVEE! PRICELESS MEMORIES!! PRICELESS! AND THE FLEA MARKET WAS JUST TOOO GREAT! WE NEED TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE AND SOON!

I MUST CONFESS HOWEVER... WE DID'T SIT ON THE PORCH HITTING NOODLES... :( WE SAT ON THE LEVEE EATING MICKEY D'S!! IT WAS A BLAST!! WE EVEN JAMMED TO THE MUSIC THEY HAD PLAYING ON THE RIVER WALK IT WAS AMAZING! PLUM GREAT!! WHat i would like to know is where can i go or what can i do to make a donation to the river walk and to the ones that made all that possible?? we rode over to NACHTEZ to try and see what was going on but there was sooo many drunks jumping in front of my car and laying on the hood of it that i didn't even bother.... i can't have my kids in a situation like that... :(

well hope all had missed me! i will back and better then ever posting away once i get back into biloxi tomorrow evening!! i see i have missed out on alot!! so i have alot of catching up tp do!!! hehe!!