Every first weekend in December a little bit of magic comes to Caledonia. The Bluff and Valley Balloon Rally provides idyllic scenarios for watchers and heart-stopping excitement for those who fly.<\/p>\n
The unique sensation of flight in a hot air balloon is beyond the physical\u2026 it seems that one\u2019s heart takes flight as well. Balloon flight cannot be compared to airline flight in any way except that of being off the ground.<\/p>\n
The weekend begins with a lyceum at the elementary school where aerialists explain to the fourth graders the science and technical aspects of hot air balloon flight. Then all the students assemble outside to see up to three balloons take flight over their heads. Friday evening, the Winter Wonderland parade takes place down Caledonia\u2019s main streets. The parade features floats, flashing lights and aerialists in their balloon baskets who fire off their burners causing gasps from the crowd. Besides relishing\u00a0 the spectacle, parade goers enjoy the welcome warmth.<\/p>\n
The balloonists, crew, passengers and all lovers of colorful, majestic hot air balloons gather Saturday morning, weather permitting, at Caledonia High School for a balloon launch. Another launch is scheduled for mid-afternoon. A Sunday morning flight may take place if weather interferes with Saturday\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n
Ed Chapman, owner and chief aeronaut at Balloon Ascensions Unlimited in Jordan, Minn., is a balloon pilot and a big promoter of Caledonia\u2019s rally. Chapman is a member of Caledonia\u2019s balloon committee and is the rally\u2019s balloon meister. Chapman\u2019s \u201cFire and Frost\u201d balloon, among others, can be seen quietly floating across the Caledonia area\u2019s rural landscape in December.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you fly in an airplane and you\u2019re lucky, and you have a window seat, you\u2019ve got one window to look out of. But in the balloon you\u2019ve got 360 degrees of view all the way around\u2026 it\u2019s a spectacular view,\u201d Chapman said.<\/p>\n
Passengers experience no turbulence and no wind. The earth falls away and spins while the balloon seems to stay stationary. The balloon is traveling with the wind. The balloon is the center of the universe.<\/p>\n
Chapman has flown balloons all across the U.S. as well as the Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps, France and Russia. \u201cThe Caledonia area is just a knockout over all the places in the U.S.,\u201d Chapman says. \u201cIt\u2019s tough to beat the Alps, but the Caledonia area with its bluffs; it holds its own against anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bluff and Valley Balloon Rally likes to welcome as best they can the amazing men and women who fly these contraptions and are willing to share them with us. Jim Borchert, an aeronaut from Bloomington, said, \u201cEvery time I come here it\u2019s like coming home for the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n