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EDEN -- More than two dozen colorful balloons took to the sky Friday morning to kick off the Ogden Valley Balloon and Artist Festival.
"It's just beautiful, such a nice morning, and the sky will be filled with all of the great colors," says Bill Cox, general manager of Wolf Creek Resort.
In its 15th year, the Ogden Valley Balloon and Artist Festival is an amazing sight to see. With the stunning Wasatch Mountains as backdrop, 25 balloons inflate simultaneously and within minutes are flying overhead.
New at this year's festival is a familiar pink bunny. The Energizer Balloon is the largest balloon in North America and measures taller than the Statue of Liberty!
Professional pilot Kevin Knapp explains, "We have a fan that pushes air in the balloon. Once we get it packed and full-round tight with cold air, then I put heat to it."
Knapp travels the country, flying at festivals just like this one. He says, "I get the enjoyment of being in the sky and seeing the country from the air, but I also get to look down at the people who came to see us and the smiles on their faces, and I can hear them silently scream ‘wow' as we go in the sky."
The Ogden Valley Balloon and Artist Festival continues through Sunday. Admission is free and balloon launches take place each morning at 6 a.m. from 3201 N. Wolf Creek Dr., which is within Wolf Creek Resort. For more information click here.
E-mail: bwalker@ksl.com
