Hot air balloons take flight to kick off Windsor Harvest Festival – Greeley Tribune

The sun wasn’t fully out yet just after 6 am Saturday at Eastman Park in Windsor.

However, the sunrise gave Instagram-worthy vibes as hundreds of people flocked to the park to see 19 hot air balloons ready to kiss the sky.

The hot air balloon event has signaled the start of the Windsor Harvest Festival for more than 15 years. The festival has live music, food, a parade on Labor Day, fireworks, a car show and lots of community fun throughout its three days.

As families and onlookers found spots to place their lawn chairs and blankets on one of the soccer fields at Eastman Park, the baskets laid on their sides, waiting for crews to inflate the balloons for launch. Mother-and-daughter duo Heather and Lilly Watkins piloted two of the balloons.

“We are very excited to go fly and bring a lot of joy to the community,” Heather said.

The two are from St. George, Utah, where they also fly hot air balloons. It’s their second year coming to the kickoff for the Harvest Festival.

Along with the pilots, two others rode in the balloons Saturday morning. Each balloon was sponsored. The rides are not sold for the event.

At 6:30 am, as the sun joined the event, the Watkins were the first to inflate their balloons. Burners are attached to the uprights of the basket. From there, the basket is attached to the cables on the bottom of the balloon. An engine-driven fan is used to inflate the envelope with cold air. As the balloon becomes partially inflated, the air is heated by the burner and the balloon rises above the basket.

The flames from the burners from Heather’s basket drew applause and cheers as she waved to onlookers.

As 7 am came, the Watkins women were ready to go. With their passengers aboard, the two pilots pulled a lever down on their burners, eliciting more flames and more cheers, as their crew steadied the basket for a few seconds before it was off the ground. It was time to kiss the sky.

“You’re like a bird,” Heather said of being in the air. “It’s very peaceful.”

Both said the conversation in the air is simple. From asking how passengers’ day is going to questions about their family, the conversation is light and airy.

Just seconds after her mother lifted into the air, Lilly did, too. She waved and snapped a few pictures with her phone.

Being veterans of the skies, they’ve heard their fair share of, “We’re off to see the wizard” jokes from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” before takeoff. Those jokes don’t get old, though.

“It makes us laugh,” Lilly said.

To see the full Harvest Fest schedule, go to windsorharvestfest.com.

Originally Published: August 31, 2024 at 2:10 pm