Launching bright and early Friday morning, this year's Mancos Valley Balloon and Arts festival features a dozen hot air balloons and pilots from New Hampshire, Ohio, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado and the United Kingdom.

"Pilot-wise, we have about 12 signed up, which is just what Boyle Park can hold," said festival coordinator Bobbi Black. "Most of them are regulars who come every year and love it, but they send in an application and it's first-come, first-served."

In addition to tethered rides and full-out balloon flights, the weekend festival promises attendees an array of arts and entertainment from Mancos and all over the region.

Featured performers include local favorites like Sweetwater Station, as well as Ballet Folklorico of Durango.

"The festival is bigger this year," said Marie Chiarzia, director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We have artists coming from all over the Four Corners and have some really interesting tables this year."

Friday evening, Grand Avenue galleries and shops will be open for "Grand Summer Nights," allowing attendees to peek in and peruse the shops during the festival.

Saturday brings with it the annual "Pilots & Heroes" barbecue dinner at the Bauer House Lawn, as well as the music and dancing on the patio and the annual "Landowners Lottery." In exchange for offering up a safe, spacious place for a hot air balloon to land, lottery winners get a free balloon ride.

Proceeds from this year's festival will be split between Operation Second Chance and Medicine Horse Center.

Operation Second Chance, a national Veterans organization, helps wounded service members during their recovery and assists them as they transition to civilian life or back to duty. Mancos-headquartered Medicine Horse Center provides equine-assisted therapies and experiential education services.

For a full schedule of the 11th Annual Mancos Valley Balloon and Arts Festival, see the accompanying sidebar.