2009 Quechee Balloon Festival

Each year we celebrate this weekend by doing unique things.
4 years ago we came across this festival and have attended every year since with a few friends.

Thursday arrival it was as predicted, dismal. This in no way dampened our spirits.

After a surprisingly short while and a trip to Lebanon to pick up a few things were were set up for the weekend.
Sadly one of the couples could not attend but this gave us an open area for the Easy Ups.

Friday the weather had turned to the better. We all went off to explore for the day while we awaited the first scheduled ascension later in the afternoon. There is a really cool black smith shop and old Worchester Diner not far from the festival grounds. Not to mention the Cabot Cheese shop and Antique Mall. We did make it back in time.

One of the things we love the best about the the Balloon gathering is you can walk in amongst the launch area. It is mesmerizing to watch!

In what seems like no time at all you hear the sound of gasoline powered fans that begin the filling process.
Then the sound of the Propane burners getting ready to lift off

Things do not slow down from here on in. At around 9 PM the balloon glow begins. They choreograph this to music and it is just too cool to watch up close!

Then at the end we were treated to a short, but spectacular Fire Works display.

Saturday Morning 06:00

The weather was still cooperating as the weekend progressed. The pic above is from the Overlanders open door.

We settled in for another great show watching the balloons fill and drift off with a basket full of awed folks.

As in years past, the Frisbee dogs are not to be missed. It was cooler this year and the dogs performance was awesome!

After lunch we wondered over to Simon Pierce Glass Factory, if you venture down into the basement area we watched them create these $80 glasses.

Above the falls the excess water powers a 3 megawatt hydro turbine, which you can take a self guided tour of as well.

Never a dull moment, we looked up and 5 Parachutists from the Jumptown Parachute Demonstration Team were diving in as a demonstration of how accurate they could be, they all were within 6' of the mark.

This year for the first time there was a demonstration of Irish Dance by "McFadden Academy Irish Dancers" Girls from 8 to 22 were there to dance the Irish tradition.
It was absolutely amazing how great they were!

Sunday mornings view from the door

Rick sleeping in, so he thought, notice no camera, "How many Balloon pics do I need?"
Well that lasted about two minutes. In a display more spectacular than I have never seen, we were suddenly swarmed by Balloons overhead. One after another, floating over, dipping into the river then flying away. This was by far the most incredible display we have ever witnessed!

Maybe it was our newest Flamingo that attracted them?