As the sun rose over Mancos early Friday morning, so did Mancos Valley Balloon Fest pilots, their volunteer ground crews and eager spectators. The 11th annual weekend event, which brings in tourists from all over the region, didn’t disappoint.
“I’ve never been this close to hot-air balloon,” said Ann Chandler, of Utah, at Friday morning’s inflation kickoff, which allowed spectators to stand yards away as balloons floated off into the sunrise.
Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce director Marie Chiarizia says that from an attendance standpoint, this year’s festival was a resounding success.
“Attendance was up, and all flights were full on Friday and Saturday,” she said.
“Sunday visitors had to contend with the temperamental winds and those who went up, had a spectacular ride. The tethered ride in the park went up 50 times on Saturday alone. The Pilots and Heros Dinner on the lawn of Bauer House was a sell-out success.”
The street fair component of the festival also drummed up some great foot traffic, she said.
“The comments from our returning vendors, said it was the largest fair and most attended one we have had yet,” said Chiarizia.
Proceeds from this year’s balloon festival will be split between veteran’s group Operation Second Chance and the Medicine Horse Center. As of press time, fundraiser totals were not available.