If you are seeing a numerous amount of hot air balloons in the skyline over your area today, you are witnessing an annual race from Georgia to the Atlantic Ocean.
The South's oldest balloon event and the United States' only long distance hot air balloon race has begun in North Georgia's Alpine Village - Helen. The 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race has gathered more than 25 of the world's balloon enthusiasts to take part in this elaborate, traditional journey through the skies.
The helenballoon.com website says the race begins in Helen and the finish line is Interstate 95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days. The race has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Several balloons compete annually in the cross country race.
The winner is the first person to cross I-95, or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, June 5, 2026.
While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonist compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting). The balloons will only fly for around 1 to 2 hours. There are many opportunities for to the public to assist with the inflation of the balloons, or be a part of a chase crew and follow the balloon.
You can find out more about the 53rd Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race from their designated website, or by going to their social media pages.
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