By James Kent
This past weekend, June 21-22, people came from all over New England to participate in the 45th annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Music, food, games, and fun were available for all ages throughout the weekend, but the main attraction was the hot air balloons. And for those looking to see these gigantic, colorful displays of early flight take off into the sky, it was the early birds who caught the worm.
Shortly after 6 a.m. on Saturday, the first balloons of the day began to loft ticketed passengers in the air. Yes, these flights, which occur only at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., weather permitting, were sold out long before the weekend. However, to spectate, all that was required was to wake up early enough to view.
And for this first-time hot air balloon festival goer, it was quite the spectacle. The sound of hot air gas filling up the balloon is loud. The size of the balloons is much larger, in person, than they appear once airborne.
The weather on Saturday was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, and the wind was at an acceptable level for easy navigation.
It looked like a blast, and one couldn’t help but wish there were enough balloons available for everyone who wanted one to take a ride. Maybe next year. It is an event worth attending.
The festivities all take place at Quechee Green Park at Village Green.
For more information, visit: quecheeballoonfestival.com.
One of the first balloons to take flight lofted above.
Two balloons hung out over a nearby golf course.
