November1999
morning in western Colorado. There are
few things as beautiful and striking as a
flock of hot air balloons popping up over
the tree tops to float in front of the lovely
San Juan mountains. One at a time they
appear like giant Easter eggs, to march
acrossthehorizonabovethegreen
Uncompahgre V alley.
This wonderful sight occurs every
yearonthe4thofJulyweekendin
Montrose, Colorado during The Lighter
Than Air BalloonAffaire. Itisa three day
event whenthe calendarpermits.This
year was the sixteenth year for the Bal-
loonAffaire,organizedbyMontrose
Events, Inc. Thirty two balloonists par-
ticipated,coming fromas faraway as
New Iberia, Louisiana.
Contestsforballoonistsincluded:
Hare and Hound, a judge declared goal
and a contest for the best tailgate party.
The launch site was at Columbine Field.
Flightstook place on Saturday and Sun-
day mornings with glows and tethers in
the evenings. During the day, activities
like greased pole climbing contests and
outhouse races. For Saturday evening
entertainment there was music by the
Marine Brass Band and then dance per-
formances from Park Ave Dance Works.
The location is breath taking.
Montrose sits in the Uncompahgre Val-
ley, surrounded on all sides with moun-
tainsandplateaus. To thesouth standsthe
San Juan Mountains, home for pictur-
esque towns of Telluride and Ouray. To
the east lies the Black Canyon National
Monument. On the westandnorthare the
Uncompahgre Plateau and the Grand
Mesa, world’s largest flat top mountain.
Montrose, Colorado is 250 miles
from Denver and about 200 miles from
Albuquerque, a beautifuldrive either way.
The town is very supportive of the bal-
loonfestivals(there isanotheron Thanks-
giving)and extends a warm welcome to
all balloon pilots and their crew. Every
effort is made to supply fine lodging,
goodfood and opportunityforfunflights.
