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Volunteers help make weekend fly
Published Sunday, October 21, 2007
A little vision, a lot of hard work and some liquid propane have turned an otherwise ordinary October weekend into something special in Natchez.
Some 21 years ago a handful of local dreamers thought, “Why can’t we have a balloon festival?”
Two decades later, it’s difficult to imagine Natchez without a balloon race. It’s easily the biggest, single weekend tourist draw we have.
But originally, it must have seemed a crazy notion really.
While many other ballooning events are in flat areas, ours is in the heart of downtown, on the grounds of a 19th century house, sitting high atop the bluffs overlooking the river.
Pilots must be highly skilled to compete at our race and despite the varied terrain, the safety record our race has is great. That’s a testament to the men and women who work behind the scenes to make everything go off without a hitch.
Organizers estimate as many as 40,000 people may come to the event over the course of the weekend. Each one of those people will spend some money here and make a big difference in the area’s economy.
Vision, hard work and propane equal dollars.
Our hats are off to all of the hard working volunteers who make this event such a booming success for Natchez area businesses.
Comments
Posted by CitizenSane (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are many ways to support the Balloon Race!
Go Volunteers!
That's what community is all about.
And you get a free t-shirt! (I think?)
Posted by nikkinmann (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My family and I really enjoyed ourselves this weekend. Thanks to everyone that made the Balloon Race possible and a special thank you to all the volunteers....
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i too have enjoyed myself... on hte vidiala side... i know i know i am ficing to be bashed to no end! oh well!!
natchez recieved $2,000.00 of my good hard money and not a dime of it went to the balloon races on the natchez side!!
so don't bash me too hard...
however!! i need to comment on the experiences i have had while eating at a couple resturants here..!!
SHONEYS!! WHAT THE HECK HAPPEN TO SHONEYS??? WE HAD LUNCH THERE AND IT WAS THE NASTIED WORSE PLACE I HAVE BEEN INTO FOR A LONG TIME!! THE WAITRESS! OH DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT ONE! I HAD TO GO HUNT DOWN MY OWN SILVER WARE!! I HAD TO ASKK THEN TELL THE MAGN. TWICE THAT THERE WHERE NOT ONE BUT 2 FAMILIES STILL WAITNG FOR OUR DRINKS!! IT WAS JUST HORRIBLE... REGARDLESS TO HOW BAD THE SERVICE WAS I DID LEAVE A TIP 50 CENTS...
MY FIRST OUTTING TO THE LAFISETA 2 WAS NOT AS BAD BUT THE FOOD WASN'T IN ANYWAY COMPARED TO THE REAL LA FEISTIA!!
I WILL HOW EVER BRAG ABOUT RYAN'S STEAKHOUSE!! THE FOOD WAS AMAZING!! THE BAR JST HAD MY MOUTH WATERING EVERY TIME I WENT FOR 'SECONDS!!' HAHA!!
Posted by Bebop (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how did you spend $2000?
Posted by Lou61 (anonymous) on October 24, 2007 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELP!!!!!! Is there a lost and found booth on the vidilia side of the river???? I always enjoy the races every year,although this year was a mess for me . I live in Baton Rouge,La and lost my only set of keys to my car. The food and bands are always #1 and was great. Thanks for a great get away week end for my family.I still need my keys back.
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