To celebrate the Preakness horse race this weekend in Baltimore, Turf Valley Resort hosts a Hot Air Balloon Festival. The weather conditions were perfect for the first night of the festival, so we picked up the Thornton kids from the bus stop and all piled in the van and made our way somewhat slowly out to western Howard County.
We had to park at the Howard County Fairgrounds and be shuttled over the festival via school bus. My kids were in heaven, especially Braylen.
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| First school bus ride |
We arrived at the festival when the crowds were light so we staked out a picnic area in the shade and treated the kids to some cheap thrills.
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| We have arrived! |
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| Too cool for that "train ride" |
At this point in the festival there were two tethered balloons taking people up and another balloon on its side for visitors to check out the inside of a balloon. We did neither, but it was just as exciting to watch the hot air balloons rise and descend. Our friends from MOPS and the Hettinger crew joined us as well
Around 6:30 PM the hot air balloons started to launch. It was so exciting!
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| excited for the main event |
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| Cheering for the first balloon up |
We could believe how close we were allowed to be to the hot air balloons. We could walk a few yards and touch that teddy bear balloon.
There were over a 15 balloons that launched with paying guests on board.
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| I love how colorful the balloons are |
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| Evie's favorite was the tulip one |
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| A perfect evening launch |
After all the balloons floated away, "The Crazy Crab" inflated
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| in awe |
All the balloons return to Turf Valley for a lighted show after 8PM. That was a bit late for our crew, so we hopped back on the shuttle and headed home.
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| The crab can be seen from far and wide |
Apparently this event blew up this year (haha). The crowds were impressive and many complained about long waits and no parking. We must have timed our coming and going perfectly, no wait times for us. I am so glad we finally went to this annual event. Next year we'll have to try the 6 AM sun rise launch with Daddio.
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