Today’s Photo From the Archives is a night time shot from the 2005 NASA Ballunar Festival. The hot air enthusiasts set up in a field at the Space Center in Houston for the show. All the pilots inflate their craft, and fire up burners at night. It is a colorful sight with sponsored and private balloons lit up for the spectator’s enjoyment. There were more than 100 balloons at any one time. They came in every color imaginable and were a beautiful sight during the early morning liftoffs. During the day skydivers, hang-gliders, para-gliders, and demonstrations from the NASA/Houston Model Rocket Club take place.
For those of us who live nearby, it was not unusual to have a balloon land in our neighborhood. They were quickly packed up by a chase team and trucked back to NASA for another flight. There was musical entertainment and food and games for the kids. Unfortunately, the festival has been discontinued. I don’t know why, but ReMax was the main sponsor, and they may have discontinued support? Perhaps someday they will commence again. It was a good time had by all and a chance to see the balloons up close. Check out this link for a photo of one of the skydivers
