The IndependentOn Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, hot air balloons will launch in Panguitch each day at 6:30 a.m. The small southern Utah community will be visited by an estimated 7,000 guests for the 16th annual Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally.
“This is southern Utah’s premier hot air balloon event,” said Falyn Owens, executive director of the Garfield County Tourism Office. “Our red rock scenery is already incredible, and adding dozens of colorful balloons to the sky makes the landscape even more picturesque.”
The anticipated surge of more than 7,000 visitors makes the balloon rally an important tourist attraction for Panguitch, which has about 1,600 residents. In fact, the three-day festival has grown so much over the past 15 years that it’s now Garfield County’s largest event.
“We started with just six balloons our first year,” coordinator Cheryl Church said. “Now, our launch field is filled to capacity with 36 balloons.”
The balloon rally attracts enthusiasts and spectators from all over the country, allowing them an opportunity to visit celebrated wilderness areas like Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
“Guests return year after year because of the awe-inspiring vistas, friendly people, and of course, the spectacular balloon glow on Saturday night,” Church said.
During the balloon glow, live music will fill the streets of downtown Panguitch while the inflated balloons sit anchored along Main and Center streets. When the pilots synchronize the lighting of their burners, the balloons will illuminate, like giant light bulbs.
Other family-friendly activities include a 5k race, a parade, food vendors, bingo, karaoke, and rides, including a giant, inflatable water slide. Those visiting the rally are welcome to join in the fun by helping the ground crews inflate and launch the 36 balloons.
For more information about the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, please visit www.panguitchvalleyballoonrally.com.
