A Closer Look at the Hot Air Balloon Launch

Year after year early risers wake up while it’s still dark outside and drive to the fairgrounds to see the Indiana State Fair Hot Air Balloon Launch begin at sunrise.  With coffee cups in hand, crowds gather in the infield to watch as incredible colors drift through the sky.  

This year, windy weather conditions limited the number of hot air balloons able to launch.  Since safety is a top priority, fair officials left it up to the pilots’ discretion on whether or not to launch.  While only three of the 17 hot air balloons launched, fair guests still got a look at each balloon’s inflation and flight process.

For those of you who didn’t make it out to the fairgrounds by sunrise, here’s an up close look at one balloon’s take-off: