Despite a turbulent and ever-changing year, Durango residents can still count on a host of balloons flying through the Animas Valley this weekend. The fifth annual Animas Valley Balloon Rally will take place Saturday and Sunday. However, it will be a little different because of COVID-19 restrictions.
In past years, according to Balloon Meister Doug Lenberg, spectators have been allowed on the launch field in the Animas Valley north of Durango, and there has been an “extreme” amount of interaction between pilots, crew and spectators. Certain spectators have even been taught how to be a crew member on a balloon.
This year, however, to keep everyone involved safe and healthy, spectators will not be allowed on the field and there will be no more than two to eight people flying in a single balloon. The only people allowed on the launch field will be pilots, the crews and sponsors.
There will be flights Saturday and Sunday mornings. The balloons will launch from the same place they have over the past couple of years, Hermosa Meadows Road, in the valley north of Durango. Lenberg encouraged residents to find a place, like a friend’s back porch, to watch the mass ascents.
Lenberg estimated there will be about 25 balloons flying and each one is sponsored by a local business. The sponsors will have banners pinned to the side of the baskets.
On Saturday evening, there will be a balloon glow. Lenberg said the balloon glows are “where people really get happy.”
A balloon glow on Friday night had been scheduled, but was recently canceled. Saturday night’s balloon glow will take place in the Animas Valley. In a balloon glow, visitors are invited to drive around inflated balloons that remain stationary. Lenberg stressed that visitors will not be allowed to get out of or stop their car.
“We are not inviting anyone to congregate,” Lenberg said.
In another effort to reach people at a time when social distancing is in place, Lenberg said KOB-TV in Farmington will attempt to livestream the mass ascents. A recent balloon rally he helped organize in Steamboat Springs had 20,000 people watch over a livestream.
Each year, Lenberg looks forward to bringing smiles to Durango when two dozen balloons dot the skyline just north of town. Despite the new protocols, this year is no different.
For more information about the schedule of events, visit animasvalleyballoonrally.com.
smarvin@durangoherald.com
