Runs through this weekend
The 46th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race lifted off from Alpine Helen on Thursday. It’s the South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race, according to the event website.
The winner is the first person to cross I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami), or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, May 31. Several balloons will compete in a cross country race.
Map to Helen’s hot air balloon launch field
Balloonists also participate in local events throughout the three-day festival. Organizers say there are about 20 balloons flying locally. They’re scheduled to take off daily around 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (weather permitting). They’ll only fly for around one to two hours, so, if you want to see them you’ll need to arrive near the starting time. The festival also offers hands-on experiences for the public including helping to inflate balloons, becoming part of a chase crew, and taking tethered balloon rides.
There are no ballooning activites during the middle of the day.
Remaining schedule of events:
Friday, May 31
6:30 pm local balloon event
Saturday, June 1
7:00 am local balloon event
6:30 pm local balloon event
7:30 pm tethered balloon rides for public (approximate 5 minute flight)
Please check with Balloon Race Headquarters at the Helendorf Inn to confirm that the balloons are flying and to get more information about where they will be located.
For more information call the Balloon Race Headquarters at 706-878-2271 and check out the race website at helenballoon.com.
