The Great Balloon Race!
Tomorrow, at 7am starts lift-off of the granddaddy of all hot air balloon races, The Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race. The race is what is known in the hot air balloon community as a hound and hare type race. The balloons lift off in an aerial chase of the Hare Balloon (the overall sponsor), with winds determining which direction they will go. The Hare Balloon stays aloft until it finds a suitable place to land, preferably in a vacant field. It lands and lays out a large fabric “X” as the target, then takes to the air again. The Hounds (the competing balloons) follow the Hare in hot pursuit, trying to throw a small bag of Kentucky Bluegrass seed as close to the “X” as possible, all without landing.
Tonight is the Balloon Glow. All the balloons will fire their jets and light up the night, while staying on the ground. (see picture, left).
It’s a lot of fun for the kiddos and parents alike.
If you’ve never been to one of these events, you should try to make it, I can guarantee it’s neat.
And who knows, maybe one of the hot, hot air balloon pilots is really a dragon shapeshifter in disguise! lol.
Until next time…
~ Cass
Austin used to have a balloon fest, too. I miss it!
That’s cool. I love hot air balloons. We have a fest in my little town, too.