Taos Mountain Balloon Rally

From Taos Mountain Balloon Rally Website:

Every year on the last full weekend in October, as the trees in the high country surrounding this historic village erupt into a painter's canvas of oranges, reds, ambers and yellows, even more color is added to the vista as the Taos skies are filled with dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons lifting into the clear, cold dawn of a Taos Mountain sunrise.

The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally Association, the non-profit group that orgainizes and puts on the event each year, is a small, dedicated group of volunteers who work nearly year-round to make sure the rally is safe, filled with events and experiences and visiting pilots, crews and families are given the best in Taos hospitality. Local businesses donate thousands of dollars in sponsorship and lodging for the pilots and crews. Other businesses, artists and crafts people donate prizes, auction items and more. The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is truly a Taos community event!

This year, 2014 marks the 32nd Annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. Smaller than many such events, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally typically hosts 35-50 balloons and crew each year. The rally, primarily because it is smaller and more intimate, has become a popular stop for balloonists, families and crews. The event is very popular with Taosenos, as well. Parents and kids alike get "up-close and personal" with the balloonists every morning as the crews prepare for launch.