Balloons Go To School...Part #1

Every year they start Balloon Fiesta by having "Balloons Aloft" day. The Friday before Fiesta starts they lift off from 30 or so elementary schools. The kids love it! We were lucky enough to have 2 balloons lift off from our school. Here are a few photos from Friday morning.




After they pull the balloon (envelope) out of the pack, they turn on a huge fan and blow cold air into it to open it up.





Here is the second balloon inflating. This team is from Finland.




Here are both of them side by side.


Once the balloon is inflated enough, they turn on the propane tanks and the balloon slowly starts to rise, until it is standing upright.




Once the balloon is standing up, the pilot (guy in blue shirt, Jack), tied it to his truck so it wouldn't take off prematurely.



Then the kids got a chance to gather around and ask Jack questions.


This is one of my favorite shots! Isn't that beautiful!


Come back tomorrow for the lift off! You won't be disappointed!