Hot air balloons will fly Labor Day weekend in Alpine

Twelve hot air balloons are set to launch Aug. 31 to kick-off the Big Bend Balloon Bash, taking place Labor Day Weekend at Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport, according to a release from the Big Bend Balloon Bash.

The public is invited and the event is free. The main launch begins at 7 a.m. and flights continue until about 10 a.m. Sept. 1 and Sept. 2, which are active launch days.

Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport is located on Highway 118 North about one mile north of downtown Alpine.

This is the 19th annual balloon rally in Alpine, the capital of Far West Texas ballooning. The air is calm most years because the surrounding mountains shelter Alpine from prevailing winds. This year the grass is green and high thanks to recent rains, making for very scenic flights, the release said.

Along with the balloon launch there will food and vendor booths with T-shirts, balloon merchandise and memorabilia. On Sunday evening, Sept. 1, the balloon pilots will stage their annual “Fire Glow and Concert,” also at Alpine-Casparis Airport. There is no charge for this event, but donations do help fund the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club’s yearly activities. The Fire Glow and Concert usually starts at 8 p.m.

There are some 18 business sponsors this year to help pay the expenses while these balloons are in Alpine. It costs more than $1,000 per balloon to offset gasoline and propane expenses as well as the accommodations and food for the pilots. There are few communities of Alpine’s size that generously contribute enough to afford such an event.

Ken Clouse is President of The Big Bend Hot Air Balloon Association, which traditionally organizes the event. The Big Bend Hot Air Balloon Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

via – Odessa American