How The Great Prosser Balloon Rally Became a Must-See Event
Every September, Prosser, Washington, transforms into a magical landscape as vibrant hot air balloons float serenely across the sky during the Great Prosser Balloon Rally. What started as a small gathering of balloon enthusiasts in 1991 has blossomed into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most anticipated hot air balloon festivals. With its rich history, growing community of balloonists, and variety of festival activities, the event has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Here’s how the rally evolved into a must-see event.
The Beginnings: The Great Prosser Balloon Festival Started in 1991
Ballooning in Prosser began after balloon pilot Ted Wirch took to the skies over the town to give his in-laws a special balloon ride. As he drifted above Prosser, Ted was captivated by the area’s natural beauty and realized that Prosser’s landscape made it a perfect location for ballooning. Inspired by this stunning flight, Ted knew he had to spread the word among fellow balloonists, recognizing Prosser as a hidden gem for hot air ballooning adventures. His discovery laid the foundation for the beloved Great Prosser Balloon Rally that would follow.
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally began humbly in 1991, with just 11 hot air balloons filling the skies over this quaint town in central Washington. It was organized as a way to bring the community together and celebrate the art of ballooning. The festival was a success from the start, with locals drawn to the beauty and tranquility of balloons in flight and balloonists eager to return year after year to fly in Prosser’s open, scenic landscape and the Yakima River.
One of the festival’s greatest draws has always been its accessibility. It’s a free, family-friendly event, open to anyone who wants to witness the magic of hot air balloons floating above the town. From its inception, the The Great Prosser Balloon Rally has been organized by dedicated volunteers who work year-round to ensure the event runs smoothly. Over the years, the hot air balloon festival has only grown in size and popularity, now drawing thousands of kids, adults, and families each year.
Growth and Expansion Of The Prosser Balloon Festival: A Must-See Event
Initially, there were no commercial operations at the rally. The only people fortunate enough to fly in the balloons were the pilot’s friends, family members, or crew who helped with the event. Occasionally, a business that chose to sponsor the event would have the opportunity to ride in a balloon as well. This made riding in a balloon exclusive to business owners who sponsored a balloon, giving them a unique experience tied to their support of the festival.
Book Your Flight For The Great Prosser Balloon Festival Here
As the festival grew, so did the number of balloon pilots attending the rally. Pilots come from all over the Northwest, many of whom are private hot air balloon pilots who fly purely for the love of the sport, rather than for commercial gain. These balloonists pilot smaller balloons that typically carry 1-3 passengers, creating an intimate flying experience for those lucky enough to attend the event.
Prosser’s open landscape with vast fields and multiple safe landing areas makes it an ideal location for both experienced and new pilots. This aspect has helped the hot air balloon rally gain a reputation as a great place to fly, drawing hot air balloonists of all skill levels.
The hot air ballooning community is close-knit, and the Great Prosser Balloon Rally offers the perfect opportunity for balloonists from around the NorthWest to gather, fly together, and share their love of ballooning with the public. For many balloon pilots, it’s not just about the hot air balloon festival itself but about the chance to reconnect with fellow balloonists, regardless of whether they’re officially part of the festival or flying rides for hire. Seattle Ballooning also has a tradition of doing a special afternoon flight where they take private balloon pilots that are part of the festival up in one of their commercial balloons. This gives newer balloon pilots the opportunity to see if they might be interested in doing commercial ballooning some day.
The Balloon Pilots: Keeping the Tradition Alive
One unique aspect of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally is that pilots are not paid to attend. They cover their own costs to drive their equipment to Prosser, but the festival offers a valuable incentive by providing free propane, which is a significant expense for balloonists. While many festivals might additionally offer hotel accommodations, gift bags, or a small stipend, the primary reason pilots attend is for the chance to hang out with their balloon friends and enjoy the joy of flying together.
However, attending a balloon festival comes with real costs for these pilots, which is why companies like Seattle Ballooning decided to start offering rides for the public. By providing commercial hot air balloon rides near the festival, Seattle Ballooning can attend the event while offering a valuable service to the community. Their presence not only brings the excitement of hot air balloon rides to festivalgoers but also helps cover some of the expenses that come with participating in the festival.
Weather and Its Role in the Prosser Balloon Festival
The success of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally depends heavily on the weather. Ballooning requires calm winds and clear skies, and the best time for launching is usually early in the morning, when the air is still and temperatures are cooler. This is why the festival’s signature event—the sunrise hot air balloon launches—takes place at dawn.
However, ballooning is weather-dependent, and flights may be delayed or even canceled if conditions become unsafe. Winds tend to pick up later in the day, which is why afternoon flights are often less frequent. The festival’s Night Glow event, where tethered balloons light up the sky after dark, is another weather-sensitive feature. If the winds are too strong, the balloons remain grounded for safety, but the festival still offers plenty of other activities to keep attendees entertained.
Festival organizers and balloon pilots monitor weather reports closely throughout the weekend and make quick decisions regarding flight safety. Attendees are encouraged to check weather updates through the festival’s website and social media to stay informed about any changes in the schedule.
Why Are The Commercial Balloons Flying? The Festival Balloons Canceled
Commercial hot air balloon pilots, like those from Seattle Ballooning, combine their extensive training and advanced technology to safely operate in a wide range of conditions. One of the key pieces of equipment that gives them an advantage is the smart vent system, which is used specifically during landings. This system allows pilots to release much more hot air from the balloon than standard vents found in smaller, private balloons. The ability to release air quickly during the landing process provides greater control, particularly when landing in faster winds. This makes for a smoother and more stable descent, even in challenging conditions that might prevent smaller, privately piloted balloons from flying.
Along with this advanced technology, commercial pilots typically have more recent and extensive flight hours because they fly passengers daily. This frequent flying gives them the experience to handle a variety of weather conditions, from calm to windy, and makes them adept at making quick decisions about safety and flight operations. Commercial pilots also undergo additional training beyond what private balloon pilots receive, ensuring they are equipped to manage more complex and dynamic flying environments.
This combination of smart vent technology, daily flying experience, and additional training allows commercial balloonists to confidently fly in conditions that private pilots may avoid. Their ability to fly in faster winds and execute precise landings is crucial at events like the Great Prosser Balloon Rally, where commercial balloons, like those from Seattle Ballooning, can often continue operating while smaller, private balloons opt to stay grounded. These pilots’ deep knowledge and comfort with diverse conditions ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for passengers, even in more challenging weather.
A Nonprofit Legacy: Community Involvement and Volunteerism
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally has always been a community-driven event. It’s organized by a group of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the rally remains a free and accessible experience for all. Admission to the event has always been free, thanks to the support of local businesses and sponsors who help fund the festival. This commitment to keeping the event free makes it a unique and beloved part of Prosser’s annual calendar of events.
Throughout the years, the festival has expanded to include more activities beyond the balloon launches. Attendees can enjoy the Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival, where local artists transform the streets of Prosser into vibrant works of art. There’s also a Farmers Market and Harvest Festival, giving visitors a taste of local culture and produce. The festival brings a mix of colorful balloons, incredible street art, and local food, creating a truly immersive experience for attendees.
A Future Full of Balloons: What’s Next for the Rally
The future of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally looks bright, with new pilots and visitors attending the event each year. One of the unique aspects of the rally’s continued success is the involvement of Seattle Ballooning. Although not officially part of the festival, Seattle Ballooning launches from a nearby field and provides commercial balloon rides, offering festivalgoers a chance to experience the thrill of ballooning firsthand. With eight commercial balloons that carry 6-10 passengers each, Seattle Ballooning’s presence adds another dimension to the festival and helps bring new visitors to the area.
Commercial balloon rides are a staple at many balloon festivals across the U.S., and their inclusion here enhances the overall experience for attendees. While the private pilots flying for the festival may not offer rides, the commercial balloons taking off just a mile from the festival grounds allow people to enjoy a ride and see the balloons from the air.
These rides also bring significant economic benefits to the local community. Visitors from Seattle, Spokane, and Portland come to Prosser specifically to take part in these rides, adding to the local economy and helping support businesses in the area. This combination of private pilots and commercial rides creates a unique blend that makes the Great Prosser Balloon Rally stand out among other festivals.
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally Is An Awesome Festival
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is more than just an annual event—it’s a community celebration of ballooning and camaraderie, drawing balloon enthusiasts from across the Northwest. From its humble beginnings in 1991 to the spectacular event it is today, the rally continues to captivate visitors and balloonists alike. With free admission, breathtaking balloon launches, and a host of activities, it’s no wonder this festival has become a must-see event. And with the added dimension of Seattle Ballooning’s commercial rides, the festival continues to grow, attracting visitors and balloon lovers from near and far.
FAQs About The Great Prosser Balloon Festival
What are the dates for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally typically takes place during the last full weekend of September. For 2025, the event will be held from Friday, September 26th, to Sunday, September 28th.
Where does the Great Prosser Balloon Rally take place?
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is held in Prosser, Washington, with balloons launching from the Prosser Washington Airport on Nunn Road. You can also look up the Prosser Airport or the Port of Benton.
What time do the hot air balloons launch at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
Sunrise launches are the highlight of the Great Prosser Balloon Festival and typically begin around 6:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to see the pilots prepare the balloons.
Is admission to the Great Prosser Balloon Rally free?
Yes, admission to the Great Prosser Balloon Rally is free for all attendees, making it a great family-friendly event.
Can I ride in a hot air balloon at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
While the Great Prosser Balloon Rally itself does not offer public balloon rides, Seattle Ballooning operates nearby and offers commercial balloon rides during the rally, providing the public with the chance to fly during The Great Prosser Balloon Rally weekend.
What other activities are available at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
In addition to the hot air balloon launches, visitors can enjoy the Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival, a farmers market, a harvest festival, and the spectacular Night Glow event where tethered balloons light up the evening sky.
What is the Night Glow event at the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
The Night Glow is a popular evening event where tethered balloons are inflated at night, creating a magical glow against the night sky. It’s a must-see part of The Great Prosser Balloon Rally!
How do weather conditions affect the balloon launches at The Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
Weather plays a critical role in hot air ballooning. Calm winds and clear skies are needed for safe flights, and launches may be delayed or canceled if conditions aren’t ideal. Morning launches are typically more common due to calmer winds.
Do I need to bring anything to the Great Prosser Balloon Rally?
It’s a good idea to bring layered clothing for the cooler mornings, sunscreen for the daytime, and a camera to capture the stunning balloon displays. You may also want to bring snacks, though food vendors are available at the event.
Are there other hot air balloon festivals in Washington State?
Yes! Other notable hot air balloon festivals in Washington include the Winthrop Balloon Festival from February 28th to March 2nd, 2025, and the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, held on Mother’s Day weekend in May 2025. Seattle Ballooning provides festival flights during them all!
