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Official 2008 Rochesterfest Event
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Welcome to the 2008 Mayor's Cup Hot Air Balloon Race

Thank you to everyone who turned out for the 2008 Mayor's Cup Hot Air Balloon Race!

The 2008 Mayor's Cup Invitational Hot Air Balloon Race is complete! The weather provided more than a few challenges, so there was no official competition for the Mayor's Cup trophy. But we held two Moon Glows and Saturday morning five balloons were able to fly.

A special thank you goes out to the Rochester Rough Riders. They provided a trailer with a public address system that allowed us to make announcements as balloons were being inflated at Badger Ridge Park. The Running Room and the Rochester Rough Riders also supplied the fencing we used at the launch site. Thank you!

Click here for the 2008 Photo Gallery.  Thank you to Terry Greenwaldt, the Picture Guy for his excellent images!


Harley Davidson Key Grab Scheduled for Saturday Night

A Harley Davidson Key Grab is scheduled for the Saturday night (June 28th) competitive flight.

Balloonists from seven states will compete for the coveted Mayor’s Cup as well as a new Harley Davidson motorcycle, courtesy of Rochester Harley Davidson.

A pole will be placed in the center of the field, and an envelope attached to the top of the pole will contain the keys to a new Harley Davidson 1200L Sportster. The balloonist who flies close enough to the pole to grab the envelope will take home the Harley. This will be a very exciting event and will be followed by another Moon Glow!


Moon Glows scheduled for Friday and Saturday Night

We will be doing a Moon Glow on Friday night June June 27 at 8:45 PM as well as Saturday night June 28th at the same time.

A Moon Glow is when pilots inflate the balloons at dusk. The balloons light up like giant light bulbs. If winds do not allow pilots to stand up their balloons, we will do what is commonly referred to as a "Field Of Fire." That's where the balloonists shoot their propane burners into the air without balloons above them.

Whether it's a Moon Glow or a Field of Fire, it's a great show and an excellent photo opportunity for everyone. This is a new event at the Mayors Cup in 2008 and a very popular event at balloon races all across the country.


NEW LAUNCH SITE FOR 2008! Badger Ridge Park in Northwest Rochester on Superior Drive NW will serve as the new home for the Mayors Cup Hot Air Balloon Race starting in 2008. This park is just south of the old Celestica Building.  Click here for an interactive map and a link to driving directions.


Official Schedule of Events - Click Here!

 

© 2008 Mayors Cup Balloon Race - Rochester, Minnesota USA - June 26-29, 2008