Early morning launches fill skies
The Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally attracted balloon companies from around the Four Corners for the three-day event.
Staff members from True-Lee New Mexico stoke the flames before their flight. True-Lee came to the Cortez rally from Gallup, New Mexico, said co-owner Jennifer Lee. True-Lee’s balloon is 66-feet tall, 63-feet wide and 901 pounds.
Hot air balloons took off from Parque de Vida on Friday through Sunday for the annual Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally. Local community members were given rides on the balloons.
Balloon set-up began about 6:30 a.m.
Balloons in varying stages of setup. After taking off, the hot air balloons were then followed by chase teams in cars.
True-Lee co-owner Bill Lee takes Brandon, Riley, and Madison Schubert on a hot air balloon ride. Lee has been a pilot for 22 years, said his wife, Jennifer.
A balloon in flight.
Rainbow globes dotted the city skies this weekend for the 17th annual Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally.
The rally at Parque de Vida attracts pilots and balloons from across the Four Corners. Balloons are set up and took off from the park from about 6:30 a.m. from Friday through Sunday.
Local community members were given rides.
After takeoff, chase teams followed the balloons in vehicles to recover them after they landed.
The annual balloon glow was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
ealvero@the-journal.com
