This Magical Hot Air Balloon Glow In Texas Will Light Up Your Summer
Texas is home to several balloon festivals throughout the year, but most have either already passed or won’t take place for many more months. Great Texas Balloon Race, however, is coming up in just over a month! On the weekend of July 26, hundreds of hot air balloons will fill the East Texas sky in a show of epic proportions. Check it out:
Since 1978, this annual event has been attracting the world’s most competitive hot air balloon pilots. The weekend of July 26 marks 42 consecutive years of "Lifting up Longview."
Festivities kick off on Friday morning with a flight over the city. Rides will take place at the first light of day throughout the weekend, however takeoff and landing sites change depending on the weather.
Each contestant gets the opportunity to proudly showcase their hometown or company. Whether the weight of the world or just one rural fast food restaurant sits on your shoulders, the pressure is lifted - pun intended - upon leaving the ground.
Dozens of familiar faces will make their appearance bright and early (7 o'clock, to be exact) on Friday morning. Classic cartoon characters, friendly farm animals, and tons more "Special Shapes," as they're officially called, command the grounds in a show of whimsical proportions.
By far the most anticipated attraction, the "Balloon Glow" takes place Friday and Saturday night at 8:50 p.m. Striking amber flames illuminate the darkness, making for an experience that can only be defined as ethereal. Performances by popular artists such as Gene Watson and Koe Wetzel follow the event.
The fun begins at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26. Gates close that night at 12 a.m. before reopening the next morning at 5:45. Koe Wetzel starts playing at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night, concluding the day’s events. Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m. is the last balloon launch. For more information or to purchase tickets, head to the festival’s website or Facebook page.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
