Rain or high winds can delay or postpone the race. Those who arrive early will not be bored. Food will be for sale. Several brass bands will be playing. Rick Schobel of Hometown Radio encourages spectators to bring a picnic supper and make an evening of the event.
Spectators can wander in the take-off area and talk with balloonists and passengers.
The balloonists enjoy talking about their balloons and discussing the fine art of flying. Brian Beazley, whose Balloon Odyssey recruits the balloonists, always acts as the hare. When Beazley finds a suitable site, he lands and marks a big X on the ground. The winner of the race is the balloonist who tosses a bag of grass seed closest to the X. Those who have had a chance to ride in the race find it enchanting. The event is also breathtaking for those who are earthbound.