Balloons begin to take flight during the first day of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race Friday at Duncan Park in Natchez. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Balloons fly across the Miss-Lou sky. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Austin Jex, 6, and Quinn Branton, 6, watch as the balloons take flight during the first day of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race Friday at Duncan Park in Natchez. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Balloons fly across the Miss-Lou sky. (File photo)

Harper Willis waves with Michelle Wills as the first balloon takes off Friday during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Balloons fly across the Miss-Lou sky. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

A woman takes a photo from the ground as balloons fly over Friday during the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race in Vidalia.

Balloons fly across the Miss-Lou sky. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Balloons fly across the Miss-Lou sky. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)