Want to see hot air balloons this weekend in Topeka? Here's how to get the best view
This weekend marks the 48th annual Huff 'n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally, and returning pilots are ready to release their unique balloons high above Topeka.
Four of the 16 balloons scheduled to be in town took to the skies early Thursday morning to give a taste of what’s to come.
Tony Goodnow, chief pilot of Lighter Than Airway, was one of those familiar faces as he helped ready his basket and balloon with his crew.
“There was an ad in the paper for the first Huff ‘n Puff in 1976 looking for people to come out and help with that,” Goodnow said. "My parents answered that ad when I was 6 months old and came out and got involved at the first Huff ‘n Puff.
"So I grew up with it. I've never known anything different really here.”
On board with Goodnow was a first-time rider, Austin Crabtree, along with a Capital-Journal photographer.
Crabtree's mother and younger brother have been into hot air balloons for the past three years and have since purchased their own after visiting the Albuquerque hot air balloon festival.
Going into its 48th year, the Huff ’n Puff rally has long been a tradition for Midwest balloon pilots.
“For us, it's always great to have a free-to-the-family event," said Lori Hutchinson, rally coordinator. "It's an event where pilots come from all different states to come together, to fly together and to share our sport with others."
Hutchinson said rides in the hot air balloons are reserved for sponsors who help put on the event, but there will be plenty of activities for attendees to enjoy.
"We have over 40 vendors, and we have even a bounce house area for the kids," Hutchinson said.
Where and when to see the 2023 Huff 'n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally
When: Doors open at 5 p.m. Balloons are scheduled to take off four times this weekend, at about 6 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. Sunday. Exact launch times will vary or may even be canceled, since pilots have to wait for wind to be lower than 8 to 10 mph. A representative from the National Weather Service's Topeka office will help coordinate with the club to ensure safe balloon flying.
Where: Balloons will take off from the Mount Hope Balloon Field at the corner of S.W. Huntoon and Fairlawn Road. Parking is available on site by entering through the gates on either road.
What to bring: BYOC (bring your own chair — or blanket) to sit along the open field and see the balloon launches. The free event will feature food vendors, although attendees may bring in their own nonalcoholic beverages. The club asks that attendees leave any drones, weapons and pets at home.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Hot air balloons fly above Topeka for 48th annual Huff 'n Puff event
