As festival-goers arrive at the Great Mississippi Balloon Race this weekend, a constant face will greet them. Natchez resident, Murle Weeks, 78, will work at the festival gate from 7 p.m. today until the end of the festival Sunday.

Her job will be to sell tickets and monitor the crowds as they enter the festival grounds at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on Broadway.

&uot;It’s the people you work for — they are so grateful and nice. They are so appreciative,&uot; Weeks said when asked what she likes about volunteering at the festival.

Weeks also enjoys watching all the festival happenings.

&uot;I feel like I have the number one spot to watch everything,&uot; she said.

But she takes her job seriously.

&uot;A lot of money goes through your hands at the gate,&uot; said Weeks, who added she always makes sure the money is secure.

This weekend will be Weeks’ fourth year volunteering at the balloon race.

She first got involved after she heard the race committee needed extra help.

&uot;I just said I would be glad to (help),&uot; Weeks said.

Since then the festival has become a much anticipated annual event for her.

The festival is a &uot;very pleasant place to be&uot; said Weeks, who can &uot;can hardly wait&uot; for it begin today. &uot;I’m doing something for somebody to help them, and my heart just wants to be there,&uot; she said.

Suzan Hogue, a race committee member in charge of gate sales, described Weeks as being dedicated to her work at the festival.

&uot;She looks forward to it,&uot; Hogue said. &uot;And if you don’t call her (to ask for help) she’s going to come looking for you,&uot; to sign up to help.

Weeks also volunteers two days a week at Natchez Community Hospital.

Week thinks the activities help her live a &uot;full-life&uot; because she enjoys being around people and helping them.

&uot;I want to really dedicate the rest of my life to volunteering, and I’m so thankful for what I do have,&uot; she said.