Hot air balloons will bring grace and beauty to the skies above Shreveport and Bossier City through the weekend.
The LSU Shreveport campus has been hosting the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship with 40 balloon pilots scheduled to compete through this week, according to a press release from the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. The competition started Tuesday. According to the Balloon Federation of America, balloon pilots seek to represent the U.S. in the next World Championship.
Gates open for the Red River Balloon Rally at LSUS at 5 p.m. both today and Saturday. In addition to the balloons, music is a focus of the event. Tonight is Faith and Family Night with music by Crowder, Alive by Sunrise, Fellowship Community Church and DOXA Worship. Saturday is Louisiana Saturday Night with music by The Molly Ringwalds, Odyssey Road (a Journey Tribute Band) and Robert Mizzell.
A Red River Balloon Rally Glow, which is particularly beautiful with the colorful balloons set against a darkening sky, is presented from 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. each night. Tethered balloon rides (weather permitting and for a fee) are held from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. A fireworks show, food and retail vendors, and a kids fun zone are also part of the rally today and Saturday.
On Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the U.S. Nationals Competition Flight over the festival site is presented with no admission charge. The balloons can also be seen over Shreveport-Bossier the same time today.
A few balloons with special, unique shapes will participate this year, including two famous Star Wars characters, Yoda and Darth Vader. There's also a Rocket the Flying Squirrel and more.
Advanced tickets for the Red River Balloon Rally are $10 for anyone age 6 or higher if purchased at participating Super 1 Foods and Brookshire's stores. At the gate, tickets are $12 for ages 18 and up, $10 for ages 6 to 17, $10 with a military ID and free for kids 5 and under.
LSU Shreveport is located at 1 University Place. More info: RedRiverBalloonRally.com or check out the Facebook page for the Red River Balloon Rally.