Balloon Invitational getting ready to launch from White Sands Monument

ALAMOGORDO — Colorful hot air balloons will fill the empyrean above the glistening gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument between Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.

At 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, the 25th annual White Sands Balloon Invitational will lift off at the monument. The event also features a Balloon Glow at 7 p.m. Sept. 17.

The internationally renowned White Sands Balloon Invitational will feature about 40 balloons this year, committee member Joyce Gobrecht said.

The invitational has four local balloons with three local pilots: Ghisma Gold piloted by Pat Raub, HSS Too piloted by Jim Hoidahl, Monkey Business piloted by Billy Butler and Fly the Rainbow which is also a handicap accessible balloon that will be provided by Mary Jo Drake.

“We have two balloons that will be doing tethered,” committee member Pam McCarthy said. “One of those balloons is a handicap accessible balloon where a wheelchair can go into the balloon. Everybody can experience flying if they want too.”

McCarthy said in order to operate and fly a balloon you must be FAA approved since an air balloon is considered an aircraft.

Participants from Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Arizona and Florida will be in the WSBI. Each balloon has a registered name and the registration deadline has passed.

“That’s actually all over, its closed,” Gobrecht said.

The first balloon invitational was in 1992, when the balloon park's namesake, Ed Brabson, presided at the launch of 18 balloons.

The festival has attracted as many as 60 balloons from throughout the United States. It's the only time each year that balloons are allowed to fly over the monuments gleaming White Sands.

Gobrecht said the balloon glow is a nice finale to illuminate the night sky. The balloons will be filled with a special type of a propane to illuminate the interior of the balloons.

“If the weather permits and if it’s not too windy we inflate the balloons and put the baskets on the field and keep them on the ground,” Gobrecht said. “So it’s just kind of a fun show.”

For viewers interested in attending the Sept. 17 launch, there will be a $5 entrance fee for adults and children over 16 into the White Sands National Monument. McCarthy said events will be free.

Brabson Balloon Park on LaVelle Road in Alamogordo, just west of the Charlie T. Memorial Relief Route, also will host a car show beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 followed by a balloon glow at 7:15 p.m. There will be vendors at the park both days. Admission to the balloon park is free.

“It’s unique, it’s the only time an aircraft is allowed to fly at white sands,” McCarthy said. “No other national park allows any flight over it. And it’s just gorgeous to watch and see.”