Hot-air balloons are to Natchez what baseball and apple pie are to American life.

The 21st Great Mississippi River Balloon Race got under way last weekend and was deemed a success by organizers despite some gloomy skies.

The weather may have prevented all but one of the balloon flights, but even the dreariest days could not deflate the spirit of fun and togetherness the balloon race fosters each year.

From toddlers to senior citizens, the balloon race offers something fun and entertaining for everyone.

But all that fun doesn&8217;t come for free. Hundreds of hours of time are devoted to the planning, organizing and implementing of the race each year.

If you factor in the 21 years of balloon races, the amount of volunteerism shown is down right staggering. From the folks who organize the sponsorship drive to the people who help coordinate the musical entertainment, each ingredient takes considerable time, tremendous effort and a love of giving back to the community.

The Historic Natchez Foundation is the major recipient of funds generated by the balloon race, but the foundation isn&8217;t the only winner in the gargantuan effort. The whole community wins.

That&8217;s correct. Even with less-than-ideal flying weather, the balloon race is still better than a grand slam or a slice of Mom&8217;s apple pie.