Normally that would be me. I won’t disagree… but I’m actually talking about the Pittsfield Balloon Rally. It’s happening this weekend. If you have never attended, it really is spectacular. Imagine 20+ Hot air balloons all leaving from the soccer fields at Drakes Field at the same time.…
It all starts Friday night at 5:30PM with the first flight. The town gets crazy busy with people everywhere. Excitement stirs, the vendors are setting up, and the helicopter rides have begun. The balloonists are rolling into town and preparing for the first flight of the weekend. Weather permitting they will go up. If you are trying to just pass through town you may want to take the back roads.
Saturday morning it’s rise and shine, early! Of course a lot of you are already up and at em’. Grab the baseball hat because the hair monster attacked you last night, grab your coffee and head out the door. Its amazing to see so many people so early, congregated at the field. Around 5:30AM the balloonists start rolling out the balloons, the mega fans are set up to semi-inflate the massive balloons, the baskets are prepped and readied for flight. As the sun continues to rise the mist is over the Suncook River, there are a few balloons that like to ‘skim the water’ it’s prime photo opportunity. There are balloon chase vehicles that head out to follow the paths of the balloons. Upon landing, and they will land anywhere and everywhere including the middle of Rte 28! For those property owners that graced by a rather large balloon, are greeted with a traditional little bottle of champagne (add a little oj and mmm! mimosa morning – maybe I’ll just follow the balloons). The rest of the day the park is abuzz with vendors, arts ,and crafts booths, helicopter rides, the BoyScouts have a dunking booth, a few carnival rides and music. Its a fun family time! The Balloonists take flight once in the morning and again at 5:30PM. Following this flight, is a night inflation. A few of the balloons light up like fireflies while tethered to the ground. Once it’s truly dark the BEST Fireworks in the State takes place.
Sunday morning at 5:30AM is the last flight for the Pittsfield Balloon Rally. Following this flight is a 5K Roadrace at 9AM. Any Bootcampers planning to enter this year?! Maybe Dean and Nancy want to try out their ‘finger-toe shoes’??!!
Well, hope to see you all out there this weekend.
Ooops, see … I really am filled with HOT AIR!!
Blog you later.
gretchen
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