There’s a free hot air balloon rally in Washington this fall

Have you ever wanted to watch the magical sight of balloons filling up Washington skies? You can do just that during the annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally, which returns this fall. Here’s what to expect from this year’s event and how you can participate.

From Friday, September 27th to Sunday, September 29th, spectators can watch sunrise balloon launches at the Prosser Airport. While balloons launch around 7-8 AM, it is recommended that you get there around 6:30 AM so you can watch the whole process. Keep in mind that launches are weather-dependent.

The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, which is back for its 35th year, draws pilots from all over the Northwestern United States meaning you will see a diversity of balloons. Each flight lasts anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half and pilots go with the wind, landing where ever the wind blows.

If you can’t justify waking up early or can’t make it during the morning, there’s also a night flight with glowing balloons. The “Night Glow” portion of the rally starts around 7:15 PM with gates opening at 6 PM.

Of note, that rides are not available for purchase. The main way to participate is by spectating, however, there is a raffle for one person to ride during the Sunday morning launch. Tickets for the raffle cost $1 and can be purchased at the memorabilia stand on the airfield. The raffle will be drawn at the beginning of the night glow flight.

Best of all, this rally is totally free to attend. So mark your calendars and get ready to watch a spectacular array of balloons.

Great Prosser Balloon Rally

When: Friday, September 27th to Sunday, September 29th, 2024
Where: The Prosser Airport, 111 Nunn Road, Prosser, WA
Cost: Free/$1 raffle tickets

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