Pirates of The Canyon Returns To Palo Duro Canyon This Weekend

I'm sure you have all heard of the big hot air balloon festival that takes place each year in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Well get ready because a smaller version is headed to Palo Duro Canyon.

Every year thousands of hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over the world make the journey to Albuquerque,  New Mexico to take part in the festival.  Many of us would love to experience all the events, but not all of us are able to go.  You are now in luck.  This weekend the public is invited to take part in the Pirates of the Canyon Hot Air Balloon Rally.

While it isn't nearly as big as the Albuquerque festival, more than 30 hot-air balloons are expected.  According to  organizers, balloonists from all over the U.S. will be in the Canyon.

Activities kicked off this morning with a Friday flight in the Canyon and tonight you can go to Lowe's at 5000 S. Coutler for a Hot Air Balloon Glow in Amarillo. Balloons will inflate after dark and use there fire burners to light up the night sky next to McDonald Lake nestled in John Stiff Park. Gates open at 5:00 PM and admission is free.

Then tomorrow the festivities continue.  A sunrise competition will take place at 7:30 am.  Balloons will take off at John Stiff Park and fly over Amarillo.  Tethered rides will be available at the park.  Then from noon to 4 pm all kinds of fun activities will take place.  Demonstrations, displays, an afternoon trick-or-treat for the kids, a game truck, face painting, concessions, and more will all be  happening.

Everything wraps up Sunday at Palo Duro Canyon.  Park gates will open up at 6 am with free admission.  The balloon will take off on their last flight heading towards Claude.  It is an awesome sight to see.  You aren't going to want to miss it.

So make plans this weekend to come see all the balloons and talk with the pilots.  It's going to be a park load of fun!  And all proceeds will be given to the March of Dimes.