LONGVIEW -- Longview residents who were already out and about early Saturday morning caught glimpses of vibrant, multicolored hot-air balloons dotting the sky.
Following a key grab competition, the 65 balloons launched into flight during the second day of the Great Texas Balloon Race, a popular event since 1978.
On Friday night, organizers said, several thousand packed the East Texas Regional Airport grounds to view the scenic balloon glow, and they anticipate more than 40,000 spectators will converge to the airport throughout the three-day event.
While the colossal balloons were the focus of the event, much more was offered.
Renowned musical acts including Kevin Sharp, the Nick Thompson Band, Kacey Musgraves, Mark Cooke and the Cooke County Line, Charlie Robison, Kristen Mari and Dagnabbit graced the stage on Friday and Saturday.
Two A10s from Barksdale Air Force in Louisiana were on static display for the public to tour, and a four-aircraft combat team known as T6 Texan Flyers flew in formation and carried out simultaneous takeoffs and landings.
More than 50 vendors, including 18 food booths, serve up novel gift items and carnival food. "Kids' Land" features a space walk, rides and other play activities.
"It's a reasonable amount for a family outing," said Tim Vaughn East, chairman. "There's so many different facets in one show. It gets a good draw from people in surrounding states. It's not just a local show."
But the Great Texas Balloon Race doesn't happen overnight.
It took eight months, more than 100 volunteers, and a host of sponsors to pull off the event. Even the Texas State Guard had a presence, volunteering for security and parking lot duties.
"I just appreciate the help of the volunteers, the sheriff's office, the Gregg County commissioners, Letourneau University and the Texas State Guard," Vaughn said. "This is the hardest working group of people I've ever worked with."
Hot-air ballooning is a sport adored by people of all ages, and for those in the hot-air balloon circuit, Longview is a well-known attraction. In fact, Longview was recognized as the balloon capital of Texas by then-governor Mark White in 1985.
Patty and Doug Grimes, of Albuquerque, N.M., were vendors at the festival for the first time since 1991. Their business, Discover Balloons, was set up to display whimsical hot-air balloon-inspired gifts like wind chimes and spinners. The Grimes said there is nothing like exploring the skies in a hot air balloon.
"For pilots, it's just calm, peaceful and relaxed," Mrs. Grimes said. "You float with the wind. It's a totally different sense of motion when flying with a balloon. People like it because it's a fantasy thing."
Mr. Grimes added, "Some people are natural at it. It's not like flying a plane. You become a part of the balloon."
In addition to their novelty store, they offer balloon rides back home. Mr. Grimes has been a balloon pilot for 31 years but did not participate in the GTBR. He said he bought his first balloon for his business before even riding in one.
"I just thought it was a great sport, and so I got into the business," he said.
Vaughn also explained the love of hot-air balloons, noting the way people were waving with smiling faces as he glided over Longview Friday.
"Everyone has a little kid in them," he said. "Everyone has that fascination with hot air balloons."
Gates open at 5:45 a.m. today and balloons will launch at 6:30 a.m. Admission today is free for all ages.
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