The skies above Bloomfield will soon be filled with color as the San Juan River Balloon Rally returns next weekend for its 22nd year, bringing a mix of live music, outdoor recreation and 20 hot-air balloons to the Four Corners.
The free three-day event will take place June 12 through 14 at the Bloomfield soccer fields.
The festival has expanded this year, growing from 14 balloons last year to 20, including a special Smokey Bear feature balloon.
The weekend’s largest crowd is anticipated Saturday evening for the balloon glow, which is expected to draw up to 1,000 people. From 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., 17 balloons will light up the field, including the Smokey Bear balloon. The evening will also feature food and merchandise vendors, kids activities, a DJ and a large car show.
Now in its third year, the car show will begin lining up at 3:30 p.m., June 13.
Led by organizer Leroy Gonzales, the show will feature several vehicle classes, including low-riders, hot rods, European cars, motorcycles, and trucks from the 1970s and ’80s.
For families with children, a single balloon will be tethered the morning of June 13 to allow kids to look at the aircraft up close.
Once in the air, pilots will head west, following the San Juan River, where riders can often spot deer, coyotes and turkeys.
Janet Mackey, Board President of the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, said pilots often perform a “splash and dash” maneuver in the river, which provides a memorable experience for passengers.
A special landing is planned the morning of June 13 at Sunray Park and Casino.
Attendees are encouraged to watch the 6:30 a.m. launch in Bloomfield and then drive toward Farmington to watch the balloons land in the infield of the horse racing track.
The rally attracts pilots from across the Southwest, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
Mackey said the event serves as a strong tourism draw, introducing out-of-state visitors to Navajo Lake and other local attractions.
“They love the small-town feel of Bloomfield and the small-town balloon rally,” she said of the returning pilots. “They like getting close to the people, to the businesses. They feel welcomed and wanted to be here.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lunch to sit and enjoy the festivities.
Residents or businesses interested in hosting a balloon or volunteering to help crew can call 505-632-0880 for more information.
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