BACK TO SPONSOR INFO PAGE                                    Directions to the Launch Field  

 2009 MESILLA VALLEY BALLOON RALLY

EVENING

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

SPONSOR/PILOT SOCIAL at a NEW LOCATION  Mission Inn Best Western, 1765 South Main, Las Cruces     Sponsors:  Meet your Pilot and pick-up your Sponsor Packet. Find out your launch square. If you cannot attend, please make prior arrangements with the Sponsor Coordinator to pick-up your Packet.

SATURDAY

JANUARY 17^TH, 2009. Food vendors will be at the launch field both days of the rally.  Dress warmly in layers

MORNING

6:30 a.m.

Pilot Briefing at the Stage

7:00 a.m.

OFFICIAL OPENING presentation of the  MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION for the 17^th Annual LAS CRUCES HOT AIR BALLOON WEEKEND

7:10 a.m.

MEMORIAL MASS PI-BALL (helium balloon) RELEASE BY PILOTS In memory of balloonists and all fun-loving souls who have left this earth but whose spirits continue to soar. “Amazing Grace” sung by Naomi Vega

7:20 a.m. 

PRESENTATION OF COLORS –by Hot Air Balloon "Cool Beans !!" and the “National Anthem” sung by Naomi Vega, and presentation of the Colors by the NMSU ROTC

7:30 a.m.

MASS ASCENSION in TWO WAVES. Featuring the Well’s Fargo Stage Coach and other special shape balloons. Competition “HARE & HOUND” or “JUDGE DECLARED GOAL”

8:00 a.m.

TETHERED RIDES for the public. Tethered rides are donated by Well’s Fargo Bank. The MVBR requests a nominal $1.00 donation for each person for a tethered ride, proceeds of which traditionally go to local causes 

AFTERNOON

3:00 p.m.

AFTERNOON FUN LAUNCH  & BRITISH MOTOR CARS of Southern New Mexico (tentative)

EVENING

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WELLS FARGO BANK BALLOON GLOW  at the launch field

SUNDAY

JANUARY 18^TH, 2009

MORNING

6:30 a.m.

Pilot Briefing at the Stage

7:30 a.m.

MASS ASCENSION in TWO WAVES Featuring the Well’s Fargo Stage Coach and  Competition “HARE & HOUND” or “JUDGE DECLARED GOAL”