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Natchez Balloon Festival - Amazing Images From The 39th Annual Event | Visit Natchez, Mississippi


 Photos & Story By: Ken Hulsey

This morning, Terri and I traveled to Natchez, Mississippi for their 39th Annual Balloon Festival. I was excited to see hot air balloons again, having last witnessed them gliding gracefully across the sky back in the early 1990s when I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque hosts the renowned "Fiesta," one of the world's most visually stunning balloon events, drawing thousands of balloonists from around the globe. While the Natchez festival paled in comparison to that grand spectacle, it was still a delightful experience, with over two dozen balloons taking to the sky.

The hot air balloon event started off confusingly. When we first arrived in town, it was unclear where the balloons would be taking off from. The event website focused only on the carnival and live music, providing no helpful information. Luckily, Terri found a local news article stating the balloons would launch from an area behind the mall. Armed with this crucial detail, we headed in that direction and joined the growing crowd in the mall's parking lot.

Balloons were already ascending, gliding past us as we watched. Spotting a caravan of locals heading to the back of the complex, we followed suit. As advertised, this area was filling up quickly as the balloonists prepared to attempt hitting ground targets with weighted ribbons. To our surprise, one pilot managed to fly his craft directly over the mall and down to mere feet above the target, scoring easily as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Watching gracefully gliding balloons soar over the picturesque city of Natchez, Mississippi is a truly magical experience.

Upon reviewing the images I captured earlier today, I was struck by their uncanny resemblance to photographs I had taken in Albuquerque decades ago. Just like that memorable morning in the early 80s, the hot air balloons were lifting off to the east, their silhouettes backlit by the harsh glare of the rising sun. This dramatic lighting created opportunities for me to compose some truly stunning shots. The sun's rays glistening off the balloon fabrics made their vibrant colors pop. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to document these awe-inspiring scenes once again.


























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