Balloon Launches

Balloon Launch/Fly-In Schedule:

Please note that Mother Nature does not always provide safe weather conditions for hot air balloon operations. Our balloon operations team in conjunction with the local fire department are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather forecast and current conditions and decide if it is safe to operate the balloons. As much as we hate to disappoint the public, our priority is the safety of our guests, pilots, and crew. We will notify you via public announcement if we need to cancel the balloon portion of the event. NO REFUNDS.

Friday, June 28
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 29
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Sunday, June 30
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

What weather conditions can cancel a launch?

Wind: Wind is the most critical weather phenomena that impacts balloon launches. Balloons fly best with wind speeds ranging from 4 to 6 miles per hour. Balloons will never fly in winds higher than 12 mph.

Visibility: Balloon Pilots operate under FAA VFR conditions. This means they must have a certain amount of visibility to be able to fly (which means NO NIGHT FLYING). Depending on flight location, the visibility must be AT LEAST 1 to 3 miles. There will be NO flying in fog.

Rain: Balloons do not launch in the rain. Rain can damage the balloon and decrease visibility.

Fronts:  Fronts come with a change in wind direction or increased wind speeds. If a front will move through during time of flight, the launch must be canceled.

Thunderstorms: NO thunderstorms within 100 miles of the launch point for a balloon launch to take place. Thunderstorms present hazards to most aircraft, but a balloon would be affected most by this weather condition. A lightning strike to a balloon is an extremely dangerous hazard.