Know before you go: Hot air balloon festivals

Hot air balloons are something many marvel at, but never get to experience up close. You may see hot air balloons on the morning commute. You may see one lowering into a cul-de-sac and the neighborhood kids excitedly go to check it out. But if you look at some of the communities around you, you may find hot air balloon festivals or other events featuring hot air balloons that are open to the public to get just a little closer to these awe-inspiring machines.

Here are a few things to know before you go to get up close to a hot air balloon at an event:

1. Hot air balloons are big and take up a lot of space. Watch your step to avoid stepping on the balloons; it might mean a longer route to walk, but accept the opportunity to enjoy the experience while walking around.

2. Inflating the balloons is a slow process. Balloons could take twenty minutes to an hour to set up and inflate to its full upright position ready to launch.

3. Flames and fans can be loud if too close, especially for kids and pets.

4. Hot air balloon events are very weather dependent. Any slight weather condition such as wind, rain, snow, fog or heat and delay or cancel a launch.

5. Night glows are magical. The brightness of the hot air balloon flames contrast the end of day light and evening darkness.

   
   

   

   Night glow magic

   
   

6. Bring a chair and/or blanket to sit back and relax.

7. Hot air balloon festivals are family events though launches occur really early in the morning. I have arrived at launch sites between 5a and 6a to be ready to watch and photograph these events.

   
   

   

   Sunrise launch

8. Wear layers. The early mornings can be cold even in the summer, but it warms up as the sunrises and the day begins. For night glows, it can start warm, but depending on where you are it can cool off quickly once the sun sets.

9. Events are accessible. Attendees can watch from their vehicles or paved area. Fields and grassy areas are less accessible depending on the terrain. I have been to hot air balloon events on nicely manicured, mostly even city parks, but I have also been at events in fields of wild grass and big, uneven divets.

10. Pilots and crews are friendly and generally easy to talk to, but follow their directions on safety.

    
    

    

    
    

11. Other activities fill the day such as music, food, parades and more.

Depending on where you are, hot air balloon festivals are an easy must do activity.