Ready to set sail: Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta to feature more than 25 balloons in 42nd year

In New Mexico, it’s always hot air balloon season.

While the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the centerpiece event for the sport, there are other events around the state that offer up-close views of the colorful sky ornaments.

The Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta is marking its 42nd anniversary on Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6, in Elephant Butte State Park.

According to Sierra County officials, the balloon regatta is one of the most unique balloon adventures as hot air balloons fly over Elephant Butte State Park.

“This year, the lake is pretty full, so it will make for a nice event,” says Kim Skinner, Sierra County Recreation and Tourism chair. “The regatta continues to grow with each year as people find out that we offer such a unique event.”

More than 25 balloons are expected to take flight from Lions Beach or Long Point.

Mass ascension starts at 7:30 a.m. all three days, weather permitting, along with tethered rides on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6. Tethered ride tickets are cash only and must be purchased the day of the event on Lions Beach and run from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Skinner says though the event got its official start in 1980 as a Mother’s Day event, the rally itself traces its history back to the 1970s, when balloonists regularly made the trek to Elephant Butte for either Mother’s Day or Easter weekend.

The timing of the rally was often dependent on the weather and when the spring season had arrived.

In 1989, concern over the safety of the balloonists flying over the lake prompted the Coast Guard to provide chase boats for each balloon. This concern also prompted the formation of the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta as an organizational entity.

This year’s regatta is sponsored by Sierra Vista Hospital and Clinics along with Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta Organization, the rally is free to the public, though park fees remain in effect at $5 per car and $15 per bus.