Balloon Race

By Mike Savage
WPPR Demorest

In Northeast Georgia, Operators of hot air balloons are taking part in a race that covers hundreds of miles and uses an Interstate as its finish line.

Helen is known for its Bavarian charm and its Octoberfest celebration in the fall. The Alpine city also hosts what it calls the oldest balloon event in the South.

This year, three hot air balloons are racing from Helen due east to the Atlantic coast. Event Organizer Barbara Gay says the race is a grueling endurance test.

Gay says, “you will fly for three to four hours with the gas allowed in your basket. Then you land and you chase crew has to be with you when you land so they can give you new propane so you can take off again. This can go from 7 am to 9 at night.”

Gay says race rules prohibit night flying because it’s too dangerous. Organizers say the winner of the event is the first to cross any portion of Interstate 95 or is the farthest ahead at sunset Friday.