More than six million spectators annually attend hundreds of balloon events nationwide . . .

A hot air balloon creates excitement that attracts and holds attention. More than six million spectators annually attend hundreds of balloon events nationwide, more than any other outdoor summer activity, including baseball games and car races.

Have You Ever Wanted to Ride in a Hot Air Balloon?  Now may be you chance!

We can also arrange Rides available with participating Hot Air Balloons. Contact us at (402) 346-8003.

Balloon Rides sold out again Last Year! Get on the List early for next year!

Balloons launch Friday and Saturday Evening 7 PM

Balloons launch by 7:30 pm - Gates open at 5:00 pm to give spectators an early glimpse at the hot air balloons as pilots assemble them for their flights. (Weather Permitting)

First, the pilot and crew spread the colorful canopy out across the grass and connect the balloon envelope (canopy) to the gondola. Balloons are inflated with giant fans. Then the pilot ignites the burner forcing hot blasts of air into the balloon canopy, which causes it to rise. Remember your early science lessons - "Hot Air Rises." Part of the romance in ballooning, is not knowing exactly where the air currents take you. Balloon pilots navigate by ascending and descending the balloons into different air currents, but they are incapable of actually "steering" the balloon into a precise location and can land miles from their launch site. Chase crews follow the balloons to their destinations as the balloons rarely land where they launch.

Balloon Glow Friday and Saturday Night 9 PM

It's without a doubt the festive part planned for the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival. As the sun sets on Friday and Saturday, the crowd gathers to enjoy one of Omaha’s Favorite bands at the Main Stage with a party atmosphere in anticipation of the spectacular Balloon Glow where pilots make their hot air balloons dance to a musical beat. At approximately 8:30 pm, several colorful hot air balloons begin to inflate and balloonists vie for their chance to be the stars of a most spectacular part of the evening - the Balloon Glow. (Weather Permitting)

To accomplish the glow, balloon pilots ignite their burners simultaneously. This causes the colorful balloon envelopes to glow against the velvet black skies and reflection of the Lake. The pilots then make the balloons "dance" by igniting the burners, with the band firing up the stage to prep for the hot air balloons’ Big Show.

The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival is the First Showcase of its kind and will be similar to other Balloon & Wine Festivals around the country which have become successful including those in the Temecula Valley, California and Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 9, 5 pm – 11 pm and Saturday, August 10, 3 pm – 11 pm with Adult General Admission at $7 and Children under 12 at $5.00 and 5 & under free throughout the two Day Event.

 

2013 Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Balloon List & Pilots

Balloonmeister:  Mark Enholm

Yellow Bird Pilot: Jim Gunhus Omaha, NE	Kaliedoscope Pilot: Jan Sines Balloon Stormers, Inc Ashland ,  MO
Wild Goose Pilot: Wayne Mohring Norfolk, NE	Patches Pilot: Terry Montague Plattsburg, MO
RE/MAX Pilot:  Matt Fenster Council Bluffs, IA	Euphoria Pilot: Rich Jawarski Omaha, NE
Celebration Pilot: Steve Lacroix Omaha, NE	Dreamtime Pilot: Tom Peterson Omaha, NE
Jester Unwindz Pilot: Matt Grote Omaha, NE	Third Priority Pilot: Matt Fenster Council Bluffs, IA