BALLOON LAUNCH – SUNDAY MORNING

IMPORTANT NOTICE: On Sun. Feb. 9 – The Hudson Hot Air Affair is proud to announce that the BALLOON LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE at 7:35 am at River Crest School.

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

PARKING NOTICE: Parking at River Crest Elementary School, 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI is available on Sunday morning. There is also parking at the YMCA Camp St. Croix (across the street from the school). Come early for the best parking.

Parking is available on a first come basis.

Sunday Morning Hot Air Balloon Launch on the River Crest School grounds, 535 County Road F, Hudson. 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.

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.

PARKING NOTICE: There is parking available Sunday morning at River Crest School and at Camp St. Croix (across the street from the school).
Parking is available on a first come basis.

The school will not be open on Sunday so dress warm!

River Crest Elementary School will not be open on Sunday. Portable restroom will be available on the school grounds.

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

Please notice the time change: Open noon to 8pm.

Visit the Craft Fair and Marketplace at the River Crest 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.

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.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SATURDAY MORNING

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to the anticipated snowfall and other weather-related issue, the hours for the Saturday, February 8th, Balloon events and Marketplace have been adjusted for safety reasons. Please take note of the following changes:

SATURDAY, FEB 8th MORNING BALLOON LAUNCH HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Revised Hours for the Marketplace & Craft Fair are 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 11:30am.

For the 3:00pm Balloon Launch, we are waiting on the weather, and a flight decision will be made on Saturday.

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

“STAYING ALIVE in 2025” TORCHLIGHT PARADE

The Torchlight Parade features prizes for the best overall parade unit, the best unit by hot air balloonist, the best “Staying Alive in 2025” themed unit and the best kazoo marching band. Hot air balloon pilots and crews display blasts of fire.

Parade participants line up at 6pm at Wells Fargo Bank parking lot and parade travels down Second Street. Please call 715-828-7200 by noon on Friday, February 7th to register.

Parade sponsors include Cardinal IG, Carousel Pole Studio, Culver’s of Hudson, Dick’s Bar & Grill, Gavic Construction, Hudson Bowling Center/Plaza Lounge, Hudson Ford, Jonesy’s Local Bar & Grill, North Star Family Chiropractic, The Oral Surgery Center, Valley Agencies, Inc., Valley Companies, Viking Electronics and Ziggy’s Live Music, Bar & Restaurant.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY, immediately after parade over Lakefront Park and the St. Croix River. Sponsored by Andersen Corporation. Grand finale to downtown festivities.

You can also watch the Torchlight Parade LIVE! Tune in to River Channel’s YouTube or watch it live on Facebook.

SIPPIN’ with the HOTTIES BEVERAGE CRAWL

Enjoy Sippin’ Special prices on unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate. Visit these participating Hudson restaurants and bars all weekend long: Bennett’s Chop & Railhouse, Black Rooster Bistro, Dick’s Bar & Grill, Jonesy’s Local Bar & Grill, Keys Café Bakery & Bar, Lucky Guys Distillery, Pedro’s Pizza Lounge, Post American Eatery, Willow River Saloon/Carbone’s Pizzeria-Burkhardt and Ziggy’s Live Music, Bar & Restaurant.

View a flyer with details about the Sippin’ with he Hotties Beverage Crawl.

Vote at https://forms.gle/eP5GX1uHBFYLW1Kq6

Use the QR code to vote: