The fog hovers in the morning, illuminated by the rising sun, as the balloons are prepared for launch. Spectators roam about, waiting to watch hundreds of balloons launch into the morning sky. This is the scene each morning at the annual Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls, NY.
Each year the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport is taken over for a long weekend by balloons of all colors, shapes and sizes. The event includes an opening ceremony, daily launches, craft fairs and much more.
The Adirondack Park
The Adirondack Park is the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states, spanning over 6 million acres. Starting near Lake George, NY, the park spans north to the Canadian border. The festival takes place at the southern entrance to the park, which gives it a stunning backdrop of the ADK mountains.
The launch
The balloons are then stood up vertically with the help of the on-board torch. Last but not least, the basket is filled and off it goes.
“As the sun fades, the ADK mountains create a picturesque backdrop for a sunset as families enjoy the show.”
Launches take place throughout the day, at sunrise, mid-day and sunset. The final show of the night is the night glow: balloons are aligned and their torches are lit in different sequences.
