Great Prosser Balloon Rally set Sept. 23-25
Tim Gale’s first hot air balloon ride was more than 30 years ago, on a bitterly cold morning in Bend, Ore.
“It was like 20 degrees below zero,” Gale recalled.
But he didn’t mind.
He went up in the balloon and never really came back down again. He loved it — the view, the feeling, the experience.
“It got me started chasing balloons,” Gale said. “I decided to dive in.”
Gale, based in St. Helens, Ore., is a pilot himself, with his own balloon, called Knight N Gale.
He’s bringing it to Prosser this weekend for the 27th annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally.
Gale will serve as balloonmeister.
“I love coming to Prosser,” he said, noting he especially likes “playing in the water” in the balloon — dipping it in the Yakima River as it flies along.
Gale also likes interacting with the spectators.
About 18 balloons will be on hand for the rally, which runs Sept. 23-25.
Rides aren’t available, but the public is invited to watch the balloons launch at sunrise — around 6:45 a.m. — each day at the Prosser Airport, 111 Nunn Road.
The popular Night Glow is at dusk Sept. 24 at Art Fiker Stadium, 1500 Paterson Road.
The annual Harvest Festival in downtown Prosser also runs during the rally. Dozens of vendors and artists will take part, selling handcrafted items. Food also will be sold, kids’ activities are planned and musical and dance acts will take the stage throughout the weekend.
Historic Downtown Prosser Association plans a street dance at 8 p.m. Sept. 23, featuring The Bridge Band playing classic rock tunes.
The Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival is Sept. 24-25 in downtown, with chalk artists of all ages beautifying the streets.
For Gale, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally is a tradition. He’s been attending for about a decade.
Riding in a hot air balloon — piloting one — sends spirits soaring, he said. It’s exhilarating, fun.
And balloons bring joy even to those who stay on the ground.
“I like to think the balloon is decorating the air for you for a little while,” he said.
For more on the Great Prosser Balloon Rally, go to tourprosser.com/balloonrally.
Sara Schilling: 509-582-1529, @SaraTCHerald
IF YOU GO
What: 27th annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally.
When: Sept. 23-25. Balloons will launch at sunrise, around 6:45 to 7:30 a.m., weather permitting.
A Night Glow also is planned at dusk Sept. 24. Gates open at 5:45p.m.
Where: The morning launches are at the Prosser Airport, 111 Nunn Road. Night Glow is at Art Fiker Stadium, 1500 Paterson Road.
Cost: Free.
This story was originally published September 22, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Great Prosser Balloon Rally set Sept. 23-25."