| For one weekend a year East Texans are full of hot | | | | at the annual event. Vintage plane lovers are thrilled to |
| air, in a different way than you might imagine. It's the | | | | watch the pilots perform tight formation tricks. B-52 |
| annual Great Texas Hot Air Balloon Race. | | | | bombers are another common show during the event. |
| The weekend long event is more than just the | | | | It's just awe inspiring to watch what these amazing |
| majestic sight of around 100 colorful balloons drifting | | | | pilots can do with these machines as they fly high over |
| through the sky. The entire event is something like a | | | | Longview, Texas. |
| festival. | | | | For the young ones there is a kid play land complete |
| Thousands of spectators turn out for the morning | | | | with climbing walls, ponies to ride and other fun |
| launch where the balloons fill up with hot air and take | | | | contraptions to bounce on and explore. |
| to the skies over Longview. | | | | Several live music events complete the festive feel. |
| The event is for the pilots and crews to compete for | | | | The music generally begins in the late afternoon and |
| the Texas State Championship and hopefully move on | | | | carries on past the balloon glow into the late evening |
| to the National, North America or World hot air balloon | | | | hours. |
| racing Championships. | | | | Of, course there will be food and beverages available. |
| On both Friday and Saturday evening there is the | | | | Make sure you dress appropriately for the East |
| balloon glow. This is a truly spectacular sight as the | | | | Texas weather. The days are hot, so wear cool |
| balloons light up from within and fills the night sky with | | | | clothes, slap on some sun block and be prepared to |
| what appears to be hundreds of colorful lanterns. It | | | | enjoy a day of gazing into the sky at visions of |
| conjures up images of peace, romance and comfort. | | | | majesty. |
| There are more than just balloons that take to the sky | | | | |