Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship
Miss Arkansas Balloon Arrives First
I was headed home the first week of September, I had company coming for a late supper. As I dove past the airport I saw the signs for the Hot Air Balloon Festival. I thought it was the next weekend, but I was wrong so I turned in, paid the parking fee and went in. I had an hour or so before I had to start dinner preparations and thought I might get some decent pictures. I noticed a very large American Flag flying on the end of the ladder of a fire truck. All of a sudden I heard someone shout, "they are out and free falling!" I looked up along with everyone else and could just see a couple specks up in the sky shooting downwards. Suddenly parachutes opened and I understood it was a sky diving exhibition. Now I understood the reason for the large flag!
I watched as they skillfully maneuvered themselves towards and then over the landing site. As the trailing parachutist began to drop back a bit the leading individual began to make his decent. It was something to watch. His skill level was awesome and he brought his tandem guest and himself to a perfect stand up landing. Then the trailing jumper lined up and also landed perfectly. They got a big applause. I followed them over to one of the airport buildings and found out they were from SkyDive Fayetteville. They told me they would be jumping again on Saturday.
Early Saturday Morning Key Grab
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Once the sun was low the rest of the balloons arrived and began inflating. I found out they usually wait till the last minute to set up, in case the wind is too strong and they have to cancel. I walked along the runway, checking out the various foods and aromas vendors were offering to the public, and past the stage where the nights entertainment was setting up. I picked up a schedule and read there would be events on Saturday for the championship and also tethered rides for kids and grownups, more skydiving, more free music and more food. As the sky got dark more people arrived. They were all waiting for the "The Big Glow" where all the balloons set their burners off all at once. Unfortunately I had to leave to get ready for my dinner guests.
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Over My Friends House
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You can see a great picture of the glow here. On Saturday morning a friend of mine sent me those two pictures above. He said he was sitting on his porch when the balloons started going right over his house. They moved much faster than he thought they would and only had a few minutes to capture them. They appeared to be headed for the the old soccer grounds where they might have set up the key grab event.
The Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas are full of events that you and your family can attend, many of them for free. Grab your friends and family and visit our neck of the woods. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised at the diversity and availability of family fun.
The Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas are full of events that you and your family can attend, many of them for free. Grab your friends and family and visit our neck of the woods. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised at the diversity and availability of family fun.