By Julia Nagy

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — December sales tax collections in the city of Natchez were $434,017, up $13,084 from last year’s figures.

December’s figures represent October since sales collections are reported two months afterward.

October sales tax revenues in Natchez are typically higher than many other months due to The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, but they were lower than August’s numbers this year.

Sales tax collections were $444,394 for August.

Balloon Race Executive Director Babs Price said the race is a huge tourism draw for the area.

“People come in from all over the place to visit,” Price said. “The hotels are pretty full. That’s always a good thing because it means people are in town and shopping in Natchez.”

Price said this year’s race drew in approximately 15,000 people, more than years previous, with many attendees commenting on their website that it was their first time attending.

“It’s just something we like to do for Natchez,” Price said. “We had a lot of first-time people come out. Everyone was excited about the music.”