Balloon Stampede

I’m not sure what Flora C is mentioning but I just went to the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede today on the last day and it was spectacular. I counted and there were at least 18 balloons that went up in the air. And let me tell you… once they get full of hot air, those balloons are up up and away very quickly. I love that you can walk right out onto the field and get super close to the balloons, even touch them. Don’t get too close when they are filling it with hot air because as many may know there are huge fueled flame blowers that shoot out flames at least 15 ft long into the bellies of the air balloon beasts. But wow! is the whole process spectacular. It’s so beautiful to watch the whole process of taking the balloon out of the bag, the rolled them out carefully, then turn on the fan and fill them with regular air, then turn on the gas and fire up the torch, then stand the basket upright based on the hot air pulling the balloon upright in to place, then air a little more hot are and up up and awayyyyy!
I will say that the website is completely honest when they say launch is at 6:30 A.M. I would even say, get there well before that time. It’s probably more busy during the first two days so the parking lots are probably more crowded. The last day, they only due the balloon launch and then a huge pancake breakfast for all the guests and volunteers. Guests are encouraged to leave a small donation for the pancake breakfast. Honestly, where can you go to such a super event that is practically all free. Free parking, Free admission.
I know… I know… you’re probably saying 6:30 A.M. Be serious! But, I believe that time is the best time to launch the balloons as it’s not too hot and the winds aren’t normally too high. There were a few balloons that were unable to launch due to the winds picking up a little. I drove all the way from Lacey too see this and it was well worth the trip. It took about 45 mins to launch all the balloons. It probably takes a little bit longer during the first two days.
No dogs allowed, unless service dogs. It’s for the safety of your dog so they don’t get scared by the fire or worse get caught on fire.
I wish this event was closer to Lacey, but I will definitely go again. Definitely.

I checked the web site and searched other site for more info. Not much out there. So, I decided to go anyway since this is not the sole destination. It turned out the event was a big disappointment. If you will go, go on the first and second days but not the last day. The event was dead and there was NO balloon.