The year 2005 is the 20th year for the Great River Balloon Featival in Natchez, Ms. There were 59 balloons here this year. Because of "Katrina", it was originally thought the race would be cancelled. The hotels were filled with evacuees;but, the decision was finally made to continue with the race, and hotels, antebellum homes and private homes managed to find room for the pilots and their chase crews. It was a success; one of the best we have had yet. Friday nite there is a balloon glow, fireworks and a band playning. Saturday, there are bands playing and around 4PM the balloons are in the air and trying to hit a target on a barge in the Mississippi River. Saturday morning they are up and hitting targets and do the same thing Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon there are bands playing and some of the balloons will go up.