|
|
Schedule of Events
|
Saturday, January 19, 2008 |
|
Live Announcement from the Stage by
KVLC 101 Gold throughout the Rally. Food vendors will
be on the field Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning. |
| 6:30 a.m. |
Greeting by the Balloonmeister
Pilot Briefing at the
Stage |
| 7:00 a.m. |
Mayor 's
Proclamation and Official Opening of
LAS CRUCES HOT AIR BALLOON WEEKEND
Greeting by County Commissioner Kent Evans |
| 7:10 a.m. |
Memorial Mass Pi-Ball (helium balloon)
release. In memory of balloonists and all fun-loving
souls who have left this earth in body, but whose spirits continue to soar,
pilots and public will release helium balloons as "Amazing Grace" is sung by
local artist Naomi Vega |
| 7:20 a.m. |
Presentation of the Stars and
Stripes from the hot air balloon "Cool Beans II" as the National Anthem
is sung by Naomi Vega and presentation of Colors by NMSU ROTC |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Mass Ascension
65 hot air balloons will ascend from the launch field in two waves
The public will be allowed on the field to interact with and be a part of
the launch. The launch is directed by the Balloonmeister (in a white
tuxedo), and the Penguins (the Launch Officer, and a group of Launch
Directors all in black tuxedos) and will feature the Wells Fargo Stage Coach
hot air balloon and Smokey Bear special shape balloon
Hot Air Balloon Competition The pilots will have the option of
participating in hot air balloon competition, which tests their flying
skills by the proximity that they get a bean bag dropped onto a large X on
the ground, without touching the balloon to the ground. At least two Targets
will be set up around Las Cruces depending on the wind directions on the
morning of the flight. The actual target location is announced at the Pilot
Briefing at 6:30 a.m. at the field |
| Line up starts at 8:00 a.m. Rides
begin between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and will continue until the fuel is gone or the
weather is un-agreeable for safe tethering |
TETHERED RIDES
for the public!
A tethered balloon ride involves a hot air balloon
which is tethered (or secured with long ropes) to the ground. The balloon
then lifts off the ground to the elevation allowed by the length of the
ropes, giving passengers in the balloon basket an unique and breathtaking
few of the Mesilla Valley , while the balloon remains at its tethered
location. Tethered
rides for the MVBR are donated by Wells Fargo Bank. The MVBR requests a nominal
$1.00 donation for each person for a tethered ride, proceeds of which traditionally go to
local charitable causes. |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Afternoon Fun Launch.
20-40 balloons will launch, if the weather cooperates!!! just for fun!
British Motor Club (of Southern New Mexico and West
Texas) will display their vintage and unique motor coaches on the
Launch Field. |
| 5:30-8:00 p.m. |
WELLS FARGO
BANK BALLOON GLOW |
Sunday, January 20, 2008
| 6:30 a.m. |
Pilot Briefing at the Stage |
| 7:30 a.m. |
MASS ASCENSION in TWO WAVES
Featuring
the Wells Fargo Stage Coach
COMPETITION "HARE & HOUND" or
"JUDGE DECLARED GOAL" |
| |
|
All
flying and tether events will occur at the Launch Field located at Brown Farm
Field, east of El Camino Real and south of Armstrong Rd. in Doña Ana
County. Click
here for
DIRECTIONS
to the
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally Launch Field.
All events will occur weather permitting. Be at the field by 6:30 a.m. to catch the excitement! Dress warmly,
in layers. For more useful hot air balloon event
SPECTATOR TIPS, çclick here
Food and souvenir VENDORS will be on the Launch Field all
day Saturday and on
Sunday morning, including special
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally
2007 list of Souvenir merchandise
|