Hudson balloon event will go on, despite propane shortage

The Hudson Hot Air Affair will go on as planned this weekend, despite a shortage of propane that has prompted both Minnesota and Wisconsin governors to declare a state of emergency.

Balloon pilots have been asked to bring all needed propane, which is used to inflate and lift the balloons, and no new fuel will be purchased for the Hudson, Wis., event. In nearly all cases, the propane was purchased before the current shortage, organizers said.

“The winter event is committed to minimizing propane use with shorter flights and conservative measures at the Torchlight Parade Friday night and Moon Glow Saturday night,” event coordinator Carla Timmerman said in a statement. “By judiciously using the propane, we can hold all the ballooning events Mother Nature chooses to let us do.”

Visitors helped light up Friday’s Torchlight Parade, held in downtown Hudson, by bringing flashlights and glow sticks. Spotlights were being brought in to light up the skies during the Moon Glow, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at E.P. Rock Elementary School.

Flights of nearly 40 hot air balloons are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. For a complete listing of events of the Hudson Hot Air Affair, which is celebrating its 25th year with the theme “The Silver Screen,” visit hudsonhotairaffair.com/schedule.htm.

Increased demand, due in part to a colder-than-average winter, and a pipeline shutdown have contributed to the propane shortage, which has driven up prices for consumers. About 10 percent of homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin rely on the fuel for heat.

“When the situation gives you lemons, you just make lemonade,” Timmerman said. “After 25 years of holding an outdoor event in the winter, we know how to adjust.”

Andy Rathbun can be reached at 651-228-2121. Follow him at twitter.com/andyrathbun.

via – TwinCities.com.