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| Saturday, June 7th | ||
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5 AM
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5:30 AM Balloon Launch field grounds open |
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6:00 AM Bank of Colorado Saturday Launch (weather permitting) |
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6 AM
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6:00 AM - 9:00 AM Be sure to visit our vendors. Don't forget to take pictures for our photo contest! |
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7 AM
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8 AM
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9 AM
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Check out all the other great events in Windsor this weekend: Windsor Optimist Duck Race, Crazy Days Garage Sales, 'Good Guys' Car Show, Windsor Open Golf Tournament, Nat'l Corvette Restorers Regional, Lions Club Raffle |
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5 PM
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5:30 PM Event grounds re-open! Please visit all our vendors for souvenirs, snacks, and dinner items. |
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6 PM
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6:30 PM Tethered Balloon Rides $10 per person (weather permitting) |
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7 PM
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8:00 PM Peak KIA North Torch & Glow Show (weather permitting) |
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8 PM
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9 PM
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| Sunday, June 8th | ||
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5 AM
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5:30 AM Balloon Launch field grounds open |
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6:00 AM Front Range Energy Sunday Morning Launch (weather permitting) |
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6 AM
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6:00 AM - 9:00 AM Be sure to visit our vendors. Don't forget to take pictures for our photo contest! |
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7 AM
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8 AM
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9 AM
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Mark Purdy from Eaton, CO
Tamie Folley from Fort Collins, CO
Mike Lang from Evans, CO
2Tall and Roxie Arnold from Cheyenne, WY
Colin Graham from Yuma, AZ
Gary Maguire
Debbi Waltman from Windsor, CO
Lu Toxvard from Longmont, CO
You have probably seen one or two balloons floating in the sky in the early mornings all over northern Colorado. With the festival, you will have the opportunity to see up to 20 balloons all launching from the same field on the same morning (weather permitting), as well as a chance to visit with the pilots and crews, and get 'up close and personal' with these graceful giants of the air.
The Festival is a family affair – with something for everyone to enjoy. We will have parking space available, as well as free secure bicycle parking on site, sponsored by Spokes. Bring the family – but please leave the dog at home. Dogs and balloons are not a good match, and there is also no smoking on the balloon festival grounds.
The fun begins with the Bank of Colorado Saturday morning launch (weather permitting) beginning around 6 AM on June 7th. There will also be the Peak KIA North Torch & Glow Show, as well as the tethered balloon rides and other activities on the field beginning around 6 PM Saturday (weather permitting). The balloons will set up again for the Front Range Energy Sunday morning launch around 6 AM on June 8th (weather permitting)
The action all takes place at the west entrance to Water Valley South – on 7th Street just north of New Liberty Road. From Main Street in Windsor just take 7th Street south to the event. From Highway 34 take County Road 17 north to the event.
We will have up to 20 Hot Air balloons, including one very special shape. Watch for clues on our Facebook page, as well as pictures of all the balloons.
Absolutely! We have a number of Windsor eateries providing breakfast items, snacks and beverages, as well as souvenirs, a photo contest, and other activities. Out of respect for our host, Water Valley, we do ask that you please stay off the sandy beach area.
We have a limited number of openings for paid riders on Saturday and Sunday morning (weather permitting). These flights will be conducted by licensed and insured commercial pilots, and launching right along with all the other balloons from our event field in Water Valley. Cost is $200 per person. Please, no children under 12 years old. Please call C Debbi Waltman, Balloonmeister (303-880-2669), for details and to reserve your spot aboard one of these graceful beauties.
The simple answer to that is "Wherever the wind takes them!!!". Balloons do not have steering in the traditional sense, but use the varying levels of wind to work their way to a safe and accessible landing site. The balloon crew typically follows on the ground, and then helps to pack up the balloon and return everyone to the launch field for a post flight celebration.
Following a balloon can be lots of fun – but safety is always our top priority. If you choose to follow in your car or on your bicycle, keep in mind the balloon may travel many miles, or might land somewhere nearby. We ask that everyone please respect private property by staying on the public roads, and please be very careful to watch traffic. We don't want anyone hurt because a driver was looking up when they should have been watching other vehicles! If you follow a balloon to its' landing site, please wait until the crew invites you to approach. Our crews are trained in safe procedures, and usually welcome closeup looks, but we do need to be courteous and respectful of landowners as well.
More than anything, weather is the final determining factor in all of our flights. Pilots prefer winds of less than 6-8 mph to launch a balloon, and winds of less than 10-15 mph for safe landings. Though we do careful studies of the current conditions, we all know Colorado weather can be very unpredictable at times. If a flight is cancelled, it most commonly is due to expected winds higher than our tolerances, or perhaps thunderstorms and/or rain in the area. A popular saying amongst most aviators is "I'd rather be down here wishing I was up there – than up there wishing I could get back down here!" As with any sport, there are always some risks, but good weather information and training prolongs the lifespan of balloons, pilots and passengers!
Fill out the form below and we will attempt to answer any additional questions you might have. We want everyone to come out and have a great time – and most of all to enjoy a safe, fun weekend in Windsor Colorado!!
