Look Up: Balloons Over the Yellowstone River This Weekend

The 2nd annual Stillwater Balloon Rally is May 3 - 5.

Fans of hot air balloons are in for a treat this weekend, when Columbus, MT becomes the host site for the 2nd annual Stillwater Balloon Rally. The event runs Friday through Sunday, with activities and the balloon launch site centered at Woltermann Memorial Airport in Columbus.

Read More: $300 Rides at Billings' Big Sky Balloon Rally Sold Out in Days

"Demons appearing from the heavens."

Hot air balloons allowed humans to fly for the first time in 1783 when two Frenchmen launched their maiden flight in Paris. Their rudimentary, wood fire-powered balloon flew to a height of 500 feet and covered 5.5 miles over about 25 minutes, according to the National Balloon Museum.

When the pioneering balloon pilots from Paris landed in a farmer's field, they reportedly "gave bottles of champagne to the startled farmers and peasants to calm their fears of demons appearing from the heavens", a tradition that continues today when balloonists land on a stranger's property.

Food trucks, live music, a balloon glow, and more.

Stillwater County News reported there will be a variety of food trucks at the event, including Montana Melt, Tip Tum Thai, and others. Balloons will launch around 8 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning, weather permitting. Eight ballons are confirmed for the weekend, with several returning from last year and a few new ballons added to the show.

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Head to Columbus and enjoy the fun.

Fans can participate in a meet-and-greet with the pilots from 6 to 10 PM on Friday at the Palladium Draughthaus. Kactus Jack will perform Saturday night at the Columbus airport; gates open at 6 pm with a balloon glow wrapping up the evening. The event is family-friendly and alcohol-free. Find out more HERE.

Can't make it to Stillwater County for balloons this weekend?

The annual Big Sky Balloon Rally is coming up July 25 - 28 at Amend Park in Billings. Last year they offered something special  - an opportunity to purchase tickets for a ride in a hot air balloon. The $300 tickets quickly sold out.