BALLOON LAUNCH – SATURDAY AFTERNOON

This is an optional flight. This means that if the balloons are able to fly at the morning launch, pilots can participate in the 3:00 flight at their discretion. However, if the balloons are not able to fly in the morning (and if weather permits) there will be a mass ascension flight at 3:00 pm.
This is an event highlight! Inflations and flights are weather dependent.

Hot air balloon flying is never guaranteed. Balloon rallies like Hudson Hot Air Affair require good weather conditions for balloon flights. If the balloons are not able to fly, please remember there is so much more to do in Hudson. Enjoy the other Hudson Hot Air Affair events or check out the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce website for Hudson Activities or Local Attractions.

Food, beverages, concessions, souvenirs and restrooms are available inside the school from 8am to 8pm.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SUNDAY MORNING

Sunday Morning Hot Air Balloon Launch on the EP Rock School grounds, 340 13th Street South. This is an event highlight with 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight.

All balloon inflations and flights are weather dependent.

If the balloons are not able to fly on Sunday morning, there will be a meet & greet with pilots on the launch field.

The School will NOT be open so DRESS WARM and bring your camera.

WARM UP STATION

Visit the River Crest Elementary School cafeteria throughout the day for a warm-up break, refreshments available to purchase. Meet local geocachers and learn about geocaching.

Please notice the time change: the School will be open from 11:30am to 8pm.

Sponsored by the YMCA in Hudson.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: on Saturday only handicap parking will be available at the school.
Guests MUST use a free shuttle bus to attend Saturday events at the school!

SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 11:30am.

View Saturday Shuttle & Parking details here.

MARKETPLACE & CRAFT FAIR

Visit the Craft Fair and Marketplace at the EP Rock Elementary School for a selection of craft and souvenir with special winter apparel, ballooning and Hot Air Affair emphasis. Visit the Hot Air Affair booth for souvenirs, Hot Air Affair apparel and collectibles.

Hot food and drinks available in cafeteria by local non-profit groups.

The Hudson Hot Air Affair Craft Fair is at capacity. We are not accepting any new vendors applications for this year’s event.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SATURDAY MORNING

BALLOON LAUNCH at EP Rock School grounds, 340 13th Street S. 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight. Concessions and souvenirs available. Event highlight! All inflations and flights are weather dependent.

Please check the home page for flight decision before each scheduled launch.

Food, beverages, concessions, souvenirs and restrooms are available inside the school from 8am to 8pm.

“SKY WALKERS RETURN TO ROCK” TORCHLIGHT PARADE

The Torchlight Parade featuring prizes for the best overall parade unit, the best hot air balloonist unit, featuring prizes for the best overall parade unit, the best hot air balloonist unit, the best “Sky Walkers Return to Rock” themed unit and the best kazoo marching band. Hot air balloon pilots and crews displaying blasts of fire.

Parade participants line up at 6pm at Wells Fargo Bank parking lot and the parade travels down 2nd Street. Please call 715-828-7200 by noon on Friday, Feb. 6th to register.

Parade sponsors include Culver’s of Hudson, Dick’s Bar & Grill, Hiawatha National Bank, Hudson Bowling Center/Plaza Lounge, Jonesy’s Local Bar & Grill, Security Financial Bank, The Oral Surgery Center, Valley Agencies, Inc., Valley Companies and Viking Electronics

FIREWORKS DISPLAY, immediately after parade over Lakefront Park and the St. Croix River. Sponsored by Andersen Windows and Doors.