Get your camera ready for this weekend’s Winthrop Balloon Roundup.
Early morning risers should look to the skies south of Winthrop this weekend as hot air balloonists from around the Northwest once again gather for the 22nd annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup. And bring your cameras.
The event, free to spectators, is Friday through Sunday (March 1-3). All balloon launches are early in the morning of each day around 7 a.m., from the Winthrop Inn on Highway 20. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9 a.m. and typically descend south of Winthrop along the Methow River.
A nighttime Balloon Glow will take place on Saturday in downtown Winthrop. Several hot air balloons will be inflated on Riverside Avenue starting at 6 p.m.
All events are weather permitting. Each morning at 6:45 a.m. the balloons will make the decision to fly or not based on current weather conditions. No pets allowed at the launch site.
Usually about 20 balloonists travel to the Methow Valley for the event.
For more information including how to schedule a balloon ride, visit the Morning Glory Balloon Tours website at www.balloonwinthrop.com; email morningglory@balloonwinthrop.com; or call 997-1700.
Sponsors include Morning Glory Balloons, the Winthrop Inn, Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty, KOZI Radio, Rocking Horse Bakery, Lariat Coffee Roasters, and the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.
