A popular event takes to the skies around High River this coming week.
More than 20 balloon pilots from Alberta and around the world are expected for the annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, from Sept. 25 to 29 in High River.
During the festival, balloon flights take off daily from the Macleod Trail launch site, with the first scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on opening day. After that, departures are planned for 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. each day, but there are no evening flights on Sept. 27 or 29.
The schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change, and spectators are encouraged to check the festival's website or social media accounts for up-to-date information.
A balloon glow on Friday, Sept. 27 is a highlight of the event and allows spectators to walk among balloons that are inflated but stay on the ground.
The event begins at 5 p.m. in Wallaceville, with pre-glow activities and food trucks. Pilots begin inflating their balloons about 30 minutes before sunset, wrapping up at 9 p.m.
It’s free to watch the daily launches or attend the balloon glow. For more information, including schedules and maps, visit heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com.
