The balloons inflate on the ground, their tops pushing up through the trees like sprouting plants. The first balloons to launch are the event sponsors. The rest follow as they get ready. The pilots have to be careful of each other as they launch, paying attention to wind direction so they don't crash into one another. They also need to watch out for the trees, light poles and a large clocktower within the park and buildings and power lines which skirt the park. The balloon pilots invited to participate in the Boise River Festival must be experienced and have an excellent flight record.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|---|---|---|
| This year, the Micron balloon almost made itself welcome on someone's balcony at this apartment complex on the edge of the park. Good thing the pilot knew what he was doing! | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |