Visitors station themselves a few feet from the 20 foot pole. It is a breathtaking sight and a photographer's delight. The first Balloon Glow was held in Longview in 1981, and it has been copied around the world since that time. These balloon range in height from five stories to 16 stories, and they can weigh from 300 to 600 pounds. Also, a radio is on board to contact the ground crew and other aircraft, as well as the local airport control tower if necessary.
Balloons fly best in cool weather with wind speeds less than seven knots.
The best time for flights are up to three hours after sunrise and up to three house before sunset. Thermals, created when direct sunlight heats the ground causes the heat to rise quickly. During this condition, it creates tremendous turbulence, and is very dangerous. The envelope of the balloon is laid out downwind and flat on the ground. Air is blown into the balloon with a gas-powered fan.