2012 Ballooning Schedule
Check back soon for the 2012 schedule!.
'Typical' Weekend Activities*
* Of course, the Schedule is completely weather-permitting!
Friday Evening
As the Pilots, Crewmembers, and Balloons arrive on Friday evening, everyone will need some time to settle in and set-up camp. There typically won't be any activities on Friday night, UNLESS the weather looks doubtful for Saturday night. Then, you may see a few balloons set-up for a night moon-glow to kick-off the weekend activities!
Saturday Morning
Saturday morning officially begins the balloon weekend with a mass ascension of all balloons attending the festival. So set the alarm clock, and be up and out at the launch field at sunrise to see this spectacular sight!
Saturday Afternoon
Sometimes on Saturday afternoon a couple of Commercial Pilots will set-up in the field for tether rides. Always a crowd-pleaser, tether rides allow those who would like to 'briefly' experience Balloon Flight at a minimal cost. The tied-off balloon will take spectators up to about 50-feet in the sky for a brief birds-eye view of the campground, before returning to earth. Tether rides cost $5 per child, and $10 per adult. However, because tethering causes extreme strain and a lot of wear-and-tear on a balloon... it's completely optional to the pilots if they want to participate or not. Furthermore, recent balloon liability insurance changes make it very challenging for a pilot to even offer tether rides anymore... so we can't guarantee this activity... but if you see a balloon or two setting up in the mid-afternoon... JUMP IN LINE... YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Saturday Evening
In the early evening, (about 2-3 hours before sunset), the Pilots, Crew, and Balloons will begin to assemble in the launch field. For about 30 minutes prior to inflation and launch, each balloon team will have their equipment set-up in the field for display and to offer a "meet-and-greet" opportunity to talk with the spectators and answer any questions. (Here's a little hint to the kids... be sure to ask each pilot if they have any Balloon Cards - they're just like baseball cards... but with pictures of their balloons instead!) After the meet-and-greet, the balloons will inflate and launch as a group.
Saturday Night - After Dusk
If it didn't happen on Friday night... the balloons will attempt to set-up for a "Moon Glow" on Saturday night. For those of you who have seen these before, there's no explanation necessary. But if you've never seen a moon glow... now's the time to grab your camera and plan for some beautiful night photos! Definitely a must-see.
Sunday Morning
This is your last chance this weekend to see the balloons fly! So make sure you're up at sunrise to experience another beautiful early-morning launch! After the Pilots and Crew return from this flight, most will begin to pack-up and head home.
PHOTO OF A MOON-GLOW
