Nearly 30 hot air balloons launch Ammon Days celebration, surprise some residents with neighborhood landings
AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Nearly 30 hot air balloons lifted off from McCowin Park Friday morning, officially kicking off this year's Ammon Days celebration.
"We have 31 hot air balloons that are going to be launching this morning, Saturday morning and Sunday morning," Ammon Mayor Brian Powell said. "So, between 6:30 and 7, if people want to come out and see this sky get colored with these balloons, it's actually amazing."
People can also enjoy several activities taking place at McCowin Park throughout the day.
After launching before sunrise, several balloons drifted over Ammon before making landings in neighborhoods south of McCowin Park.
The unexpected landings caught the attention of some residents, who wondered if the balloons were experiencing problems.
Balloon pilot Greg Ashton said the landings were all part of the plan.
"We just—it's a normal landing for us," Ashton said. "These new subdivisions have underground utilities, so there's no power lines to worry about or anything like that. We land in subdivisions all the time. We always try to land on grass and take off on grass, but it doesn't always work that way."
Ashton said balloon pilots don't steer like airplanes. Instead, they climb and descend to catch different wind currents before selecting a safe place to land.
Friday's flight was expected to last about an hour, but warmer-than-expected temperatures forced crews to cut the trip short.
"It was pretty warm, so we had to land," Ashton said. "Normally we can fly an hour to an hour and a half, but today we cut it short because it got warm really quick."
The hot air balloon launches are one of the signature attractions of Ammon Days, which continues throughout the weekend.
Friday's festivities also include the dedication of McCowin Park's new playground equipment at 4 p.m., followed by a talent show at the gazebo from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening concludes with the Hot Air Balloon Glow beginning at 9 p.m.
Saturday's main celebration features food vendors, family activities, live entertainment and additional events throughout McCowin Park. Organizers are also planning another Hot Air Balloon Glow Saturday night, weather permitting.
Additional balloon launches are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Because parking around McCowin Park is limited, organizers encourage visitors to park at Hillcrest High School and take advantage of the free shuttle service.
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