Topeka’s famous hot air balloon rally will soon turn thirty. Thirty years old, that is. This is because the thirtieth annual hot air balloon rally was first started in June of 1976, over Father’s Day weekend. Topeka, Kansas has been the home for this fun community event for many years now, and every year it gets bigger and better. Now it is held every year, a free yearly event that continues to grow in popularity and size. The first launching of balloons back in 1976 took many people by surprise, and over the years, the crowd that gathers to watch the balloons being launched has grown from about 1500 to many more than that today.
The first Huff ‘n Puff rally started very small, as the idea of several local Topeka families that had an interest in ballooning and wanted to share this exciting and unique activity with others. The first year, sponsors were a bit difficult to get, but as time has gone by, more and more people want to be a part of this fun weekend. The support for this event is strong, and it has become a well known event throughout the state and the surrounding region. The interest in ballooning has grown into the Great Plains Balloon Club, of which many residents of Topeka are members. The Great Plains Balloon Club also donates their proceeds to local charities, including the Children’s Miracle Network and the local Ronald McDonald House.
The rally is being held this year in September. The weekend of the 8-10 is when the hot air balloon rally is scheduled to be held. Since the trees on the Capitol grounds have grown too tall for the launch of balloons, the rally is now held at Lake Shawnee. Events start on Friday night at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the balloon launches start bright and early at 7:00 a.m. on both days. One of the best things about the Huff ‘n Puff hot air balloon rally is that it is free for the public to attend.
Activities include launches of many different balloons over the three day event. One exciting thing for children is the Balloon Discovery Workshop, designed for children in fourth through sixth grades. They get to learn about all aspects of controlling a balloon, build their own miniature balloon, and get the opportunity to be a crew member on a real balloon. The cost for this workshop is reasonable at only $25, and the class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, interested parents should contact the Shawnee Parks and Recreation by Friday, September 2.
So for those that would like to experience the wonder and excitement of hot air balloons, the annual Huff ‘n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally in Topeka is a great opportunity to do so.
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