Indianola, IA

This picture was taken in July of 2006. There are few events more colorful that a hot air balloon launch. The daytime event features dozens of balloons that launch in the countryside and then ride the wind to a target in front of the large and appreciative audience at the balloon field in Indianola.

The annual National Balloon Classic also has an evening event, pictured here. Numerous balloon crews participate in Nite Glow as dusk approaches. The hot gasses light up the balloons, filling the night sky with brilliant color. Once all are ready, there is a simultaneous lighting that is just awesome.

This is a time exposure on a tripod, which makes the night sky appear much lighter than it actually was. The exposure was at about ½ second, so the people by the balloons are a bit blurred if they are in movement.

The balloons do stay on the ground.