On a gorgeous weekend each fall in the Morgantown area, nature’s autumn colors are enhanced in the sky as dozens of colorful hot air balloons take flight at the annual University Motors Mountaineer Balloon Festival.  This year is the 25th anniversary of this popular event.

The event will take place on October 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2009 at Mylan Park, Morgantown’s premiere special events venue.  Over thirty thousand persons are expected to enjoy the combined events of the Mountaineer Balloon Festival and Oktoberfest—with fun and food, balloons and bands, amusement rides and various displays.  It all starts with the Night Glow at Mylan Park on Thursday, October 8 at 7:30pm, when the balloons light up in the dark like giant Oriental lanterns.  On Friday, there will be a mass ascension of balloons at 4:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday ascensions at 7:30am and 4:30pm.

Admission is $15 per passenger vehicle, including all occupants. If less than three occupants, $5 per person. Enter Mylan Park at South Gate.

Thursday night’s Performance Results Corporation Night Glow got the crowd into a festival type weekend at Mylan Park, as colorful balloons lighted up the night to the delight of the crowd.  Three spectacular balloon mass ascensions / hound and hare races took place on Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening to the delight of those attending at Mylan Park.

Thanks to everyone who supported the festival—and a special thanks to the landowners who graciously allowed our balloonists to land on their property.