Hot air balloons are scheduled to take flight in High River today.
The annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival runs from Sept. 25 to 29 and will see more than 20 balloon pilots from Alberta and around the world take to the skies.
During the festival, balloon flights take off daily from the Macleod Trail launch site, with the first scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today (Sept. 25). After that, departures are planned for 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. each day, although there are no evening flights on Sept. 27 or 29.
The schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. High winds are in the forecast today which could affect the balloons. Spectators are encouraged to check the festival's website or social media accounts for up-to-date information.
A balloon glow on Friday, Sept. 27 is a highlight of the event and allows spectators to walk among balloons that are inflated but stay on the ground.
The event begins at 5 p.m. in Wallaceville, with pre-glow activities and food trucks. Pilots begin inflating their balloons about 30 minutes before sunset, wrapping up at 9 p.m.
It’s free to watch the daily launches or attend the balloon glow.
For more information, including schedules and maps, visit heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com.