Pilots, participants and spectators will be watching the weather this weekend as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race gets under way.

Ernie Ethridge of Shreveport, longtime weatherman for the balloon race, said this week he expects good weather for the races and festival.

But a front coming through today could affect the races &045; and the balloon glow tonight.

&uot;The only fly in the ointment is that it may be slightly breezy for the glow Friday night,&uot; Ethridge said this week.

Ethridge has been working with the Natchez race for the past seven or eight years. A meteorologist for 45 years, he got involved with forecasting for ballooning in Texas.

Ethridge’s day begins early &045; around 2:30 a.m. &045; as he analyzes weather charts to determine whether conditions are right for flying.

Then, the balloonmeister will use the weather analysis to determine where to put targets.

&uot;Pilots use wind in different fashions,&uot; he said. &uot;Some like to fly high, some low, some like to change.

After this morning’s media flight, the balloon race festival kicks off with the balloon glow in both Natchez and Vidalia at 6 p.m. today.

Saturday, the festival on the grounds of Rosalie opens at 11 a.m., and Sunday it opens at noon.