On Day 2 of the Fiesta, we felt like we didn't need to get up so early and walk out on to the field (remember to wear waterproof shoes, the field is very damp and wet!) while the balloon teams were setting up (although if you have never gone I do recommend getting out on the field as early as possible). This time the Dawn Patrol was just taking off as we approached the center area. One of the balloons was 'raising the flag' as the National Anthem was performed - in all the excitement of the first day I missed that - glad to have caught it.
Flag being raised during National Anthem
After a disappointing first morning and attempt at mass ascension, we were hoping the clear skies would hold out - and indeed they did! Beautiful blue skies and barely any wind meant that the balloons could all take off.
Zebras
But how do you get over 500 balloons up in the air at the same time safely? That's where the zebras come in. Zebras are the launch directors who help each crew lift its balloon softly and safely into the air. They wear striped, black-and-white uniforms—hence their nickname—and they’re super-easy to spot. Most of them 'enhance' their uniform with fun accessories.
Balloon Fiesta Flight Directors, aka, Zebras (photo from balloonfiesta.com)
The conditions were what one commentator labeled as "Chamber of commerce kind of weather". The "box" - a set of predictable wind patterns that can be exploited to navigate the balloons - was in full form. At low elevations the winds tend to be northerly, but at higher elevations they tend to be southerly. That means that the balloons take off and land at the same field, and the crew doesn't need to chase down the balloon to retrieve it.
As shown in the video below, the zebras play an important role in landing, clearing out observers, and inviting them to help if they want.
As shown in the video below, the zebras play an important role in landing, clearing out observers, and inviting them to help if they want.
All in all, our second day was a perfect balloon watching experience! We're so glad we took this unusual approach to attending the Balloon Fiesta by flying in and renting an RV. Maybe some day we'll attending in our own RV!
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