Hot Air Balloon Stalls Over St. Croix River

A Washington County patrol boat towed the balloon and its 15 passengers to safety.

Viewfinder: Hudson Hot Air Affair Balloon Glow Lights Up the Night Sky

Multiple hot-air balloons were lit up after dark for the Balloon Glow, which provided a breathtaking spectacle at the Hudson Hot Air Affair.

Even though the hot-air balloons never got off the ground in the daylight hours of the Hudson Hot Air Affair on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, the Balloon Glow event provided plenty of oohs and aahs for festival-goers. After dark, multiple hot-air balloons were lit up, turning the night sky into an explosion of color and light.

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Dominick Nizza

7:18 am on Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thanks Keith, for the update on this topic. I have a couple of friends in your area, one is a fishing expert with lots of stories and another that owns a "honey bee/farm". It looks like a possible "Patch Traveler" column might be workable for some expanded topics of mutual interest. PS... you are warmer there than we are in NJ... hah, hah...   more ›

Viewfinder: Torchlight Parade Kicks Off Football-Themed Hot Air Affair

Revelers gathered in Hudson's historic downtown district to see balloon pilots show off their burners.

Hot air balloon crews paraded down Second Street on after dark on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, displaying blasts of fire into the cold night sky. The Hudson Hot Air Affair Torchlight Parade marked the beginning of Hot Air Affair weekend in Hudson. This year's theme is "When Pigskins Fly," which is a tribute to football. If weather permits, dozens of hot-air balloons will launch early Saturday morning to kick off two days of events including launches, a moon glow, smooshboard competition, 5K and more.

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Keith Crowley

11:19 am on Saturday, February 5, 2011

Glad you like them, Mike. The weather was perfect!   more ›