Top Destinations for Hot Air Ballooning |
||||
 |
Hot air ballooning is fast catching up on the imagination of many and the best place to experience the same is in the U.S. and in Canada. Here many annual festivals and hot air ballooning events take place delighting both adults and children alike. A hot air ballooning event can range from small low-key gatherings over a weekend to week-long celebrations complete with competitions and all, also during these events apart from the hot air balloons one can enjoy live music, food, craft fairs and more. One can pack their bags and head to The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, although the event is smaller compared to some other events, it has been a popular annual event for over the 25 years and provides a great combination of hot air balloons, local wines, and spectacular Southern California weather over a three-day weekend in early June. |
|||
|
Phoenix is probably the ballooning capital of the United States, mostly because the weather is perfect year round for ballooning. This place is the top most destination for hot air ballooning and all the Balloon companies launch their new models in the empty desert to the north of the city between Phoenix and Cave Creek. Albuquerque is known as the "Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World." Pilots from all over the globe bring balloons of all shapes and sizes to New Mexico, the International Balloon Fiesta takes place here.
The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque is a must visit. The festival displays a unique show away from traditional hot air balloons. Also the Wells Fargo Special Shape Glowdeo is a can't-miss event; here animals, monsters, cars and other funky-shaped balloons are fired up, followed by a huge fireworks display. And in Nevada, there is the Great Reno Balloon Race, which is more of an outlandish competition than a showcase of hot air balloons, along with a close glimpse of its tradition of gambling. One can watch as pilots compete in a blackjack tournament, tossing beanbags at four-foot playing cards spread out on the field—the first to reach 21 wins. Canada has its own place when it comes to organizing hot air balloon festivals. The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, held in the Outaouais region of Quebec is the fifth largest in the world. Several dozen balloons are displayed in this four-day event over Labor Day weekend, including balloons in the shape of space shuttle, a giant birthday cake, Humpty Dumpty, and Jesus. Visitors sure won't forget this sight in a hurry.
| ||||
|
