Mystery of the Balloon Race

A pickup truck pulls into the freshly mowed field pulling a trailer. Experienced volunteers rush to help the driver unload the trailer’s valuable contents. The mystery of what is hidden behind the doors fascinates the young onlookers as the contents are removed.



First, a large woven basket is pulled out of the trailer. The basket is large enough to carry two grownups, but today only one man would be aboard. Next, large bolts of fabric billow out and are soon stretched out on the ground and attached to the basket. But the most curious of all the items is the jet like contraption sitting atop the basket.

The youngsters grow anxious as they watch and parents scold them to wait. The best would soon be here for them. As each component is assembled, the hot air balloon slowly takes form. When fuel tanks are added and the wind conditions are given a final check, the volunteers hold open the cloth envelope and the jet’s flame is lit.



The once anxious youngsters cover their ears and hide behind the adults as the jet comes to life. A mighty flame reaches out and begins to heat the air captured within the balloon. Blast after blast of fiery flame reaches into the growing cavity and the mysterious device takes shape.



From behind mom and dad, the kids peer out to see the multicolored creation grow and hover brilliantly over the dwarfed basket. The confined hot air strains to rise into the air, but helpers tether it to the ground until it is time. The extravaganza is just beginning.



In the evening, the glowing balloons reign prominent against the dark skies. Each balloon dressed in its festive bright colors is illuminated by the bright flame looming inside. The spectators ohhh and ahhh as each participant takes his turn showing off his balloon. The accolades from the audience are reward for the hard work in assembling the floating device.

On race day, even larger groups gather to watch. Dozens of balloons fill and take off on an undetermined flight. The skills of the pilot are combined with the will of the winds to carry the balloon across the countryside to its predetermined destination. The envelopes of heated air lift the basket up from the grassy field and drift into the heavens.





The sky looks soft and sedentary as we look into it from the ground, but it is layered with opposing wind currents. At five hundred feet elevation the winds may be blowing east at ten or twelve miles per hour, while at seven hundred feet they blow north at a much faster speed. The experienced pilots search out the wind currents that best serve their purpose.



I have watched them high overhead as they move almost silently by. Occasional roars from the jets break the otherwise silent void. I stood in my yard one day and looked up to discover two balloons passing over. They had arrived without fanfare and were swept away in equal silence.

During the Great Race days, you can see the sky filled with the brightly colored balls as they float away. It reminds me of a race between turtles, a slow but purposeful undertaking. It is still a marvel to watch, even after these many years of following the race.



Science explains the competition of hot air verses the cooler air. This struggle holds the balloons firmly in space, yet it is such a tempered balance. At any moment there could come a sudden downdraft of air or a cross wind running unleashed across the balloon’s path. Thanks to the skill and experience of the pilots, few accidents occur.



It can be humorous to watch the landings. Like an elephant trying to sit down gently, the basket is lowered to the ground. The pilot lets the hot air escape and the balloon slowly floats closer to the landing area. In a perfect situation, the basket touches down just as the envelope deflates. But that doesn’t always happen.

Sometimes the basket hits the ground and then the winds lift it back up, just enough to allow it to fall to the ground again. Then the basket is dragged across the landing field, hopefully only a short distance before it comes to a rest. Chase teams of volunteers following on the ground in trucks hurry to the sight to secure the precious balloon.



Each year our local balloon race grows. This year it was rated the number two race in the nation. Reno, Nevada ranks number one. The city of Longview, Texas praises the race for raising money for charities as well as bringing in money to the area economy, but the greatest contribution the race participants give us is the smiles and bright eyes on our children’s and grandchildren’s faces. They still possess the mystery and innocence many of us have lost.




A big thank you goes to all who come participate as well as all who come to watch, but the biggest thanks goes to the parents who let their kids experience the mystery.


* * *
Here is a video with more beautiful pictures:



Pictures taken by the Longview News Journal