That is great Pete

We have been to several Balloon Fests over the years and there is one growning each year right here in Kingston, Ontario Canada.
The largest one we have been to was in Albuquerque, NM, USA. I think we were there three times.

Wonderful spot and the folks were great.
We saw a 30 story balloon that looked like Godzilla, a 28 story pink elephant (I swore off drinking for 15 minutes

) a J&B 28 story bottle of scotch (Oh if it was only full of that wonderful nectar) and hundreds more.
They fly early in the morning (Morning Glow) and late in the evening. Rides are generally free and the crews are fantastic.
What is really fun is after you have landed somewhere and the balloon is secured, the pilot and crew spread out a white table cloth on the ground, the pilot says the Balloonist Prayer, cheese, meat and crackers is shared along with Champagne

I urge you all to attend a Balloon Fest, they are great.
Thanks for posting those sites Pete...your pictures brought back some fond memories.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug