Up, up and away in my beautiful balloon! This spectacular event features a totally tight display of rad hot air balloons ascending in the early morning frost. I kid you not, you will see 25 balloons climb skyward and float down the Animas Valley. The Saturday Mass Ascension will be held adjacent to the railroad tracks on HWY 550 N. What a way to wake up! You and your posse can volunteer for chase crews by calling the event coordinators. Special thanks to the ace Durango Amateur Radio Club for balloon safety communications and to the totally tubular Selph’s Propane for the fuel, without which the balloons could not fly. See also Sunday 8 AM.

Event Cost: Pilot $75, Sponsor $195
Eligibility: Pilots by invitation;
Sponsors: first 25 applicants
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, each category