Prosser is a small town located between Yakima and Richland in Southeastern Washington; although Prosser is quickly being recognized as the “birthplace of the Washington Wine industry,” the last full weekend in September brings all eyes to the air. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is a weekend long event full of activities, but the stars of the show are the vibrant and colorful balloons.

The early morning lift-offs are held at the Prosser Airport and spectators of all ages are welcomed to watch the pilots prepare for their morning flights. Bright and early yet already crowded, this event is popular with locals and tourists coming from all over the region. For the professionals, the day starts before the sun comes up. At the first signs of daybreak, its time for liftoff and the work begins...Preparing the balloons for flight is definitely a team effort. Both pilot and crew work together to get the balloons ready for flight.

Any pilot needs a good crew to guide the way. These balloons need as much help in landing as they do lifting off. The chase and recovery teams are often faced with as many or more challenges as the pilots themselves. Two-way radios are used to keep the lines of communication open from ground to air. It takes a lot of teamwork in landing the balloons safely and then the big job of tearing down and packing up begins. With hard work comes reward and at the end of the day no amount of work can match the glorious view. http://www.prosserballoonrally.org