Great Texas Balloon Race begins with U.S. National Competition.

by Piney Woods Live Staff

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Many of the pilots that compete at the Great Texas Balloon Race consider it to be the best run event on the U. S. National circuit.

LONGVIEW — The Great Texas Balloon Race will begin this year with a National event on Tuesday morning with a flight over the City of Longview and continue each morning through Sunday over Kilgore, Longview and East Texas Regional Airport.

In 2010 the Balloon Federation of America’s Hot Air Competition Division selected Longview and the Great Texas Balloon Race to host the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2014.

It's a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world.

Considered by many of the pilots that compete at the Great Texas Balloon Race to be the best run event on the circuit, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned Longview the official designation as "The Balloon Capital of Texas" by the Governor of Texas in 1985.

Launch and landing sites change each day as they are always determined by wind and the weather.

Balloon Glows on Friday and Saturday night entertain crowds with an awesome display of color and excitement. One of the most popular things to do at the event as the public is able to get up close and watch how balloons are inflated and operate.

Live Concerts both Friday and Saturday nights always feature an entertaining band as the headliner. This year will feature J.B. and the Moonshine Band on Friday, and legendary Ronnie Milsap on Saturday.

Kids Land is a safe restricted area for children that requires a small separate entry fee. Activities and attractions differ from year to year but it is always a fun time.

Vendors display their arts, crafts and other merchandise in booths lined up along an improvised midway.

Food Vendors make sure there is always enough to eat and drink during the day and evening.

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