It was rainy, muddy, traffic everywhere, and many expected the South Texas Balloon Festival to cancel the event but with so much planning months in advanced and thousands of dollars invested, the show had to go on.  Hundreds of people flocked to the Mercedes Livestock show to get a chance to get into a Hot Air Balloon.   With private rides starting at $300 dollars, many had to settle for a tethered ride which basically allows you to sit in the basket and flying a few feet from the ground to get an “experience”

Organizers heating up the balloon

Flying high

Many people have complained that the show has been very disorganized, chaotic, and that the organizers have really not let people know what is going on. Despite the protests I think it is great that we have something new each year in the valley.  Where would you go to see flying hot air balloons? There is one in New Mexico but I don’t think anyone is going to drive one day’s worth just for that.  Nobody planned on mother nature but despite the rain the show must go on and throughout the weekend there will be plenty of things to do even if there isn’t any balloons to ride on.  To find out more info, -> click here  and contact the organizers.

Check out more pictures from the gallery.