Photo feature: Getting ready for lift off

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 3, 2014

Local artist Leon Hollins puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend.

Local artist Leon Hollins puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Local artist Leon Hollins puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend.

Local artist Leon Hollins puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Local artists Leon Hollins and Ann Faillace puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Local artists Leon Hollins and Ann Faillace puts strips of newspaper on balloons to make mini paper mache hot air balloons at the Natchez Art Association Thursday. Children will decorate the hot air balloons during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race weekend. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)