Annual International Balloon Festival is set to take place in Bluff from January 18 to 20

A new year, a new experience. Welcome to 2013. May it bring you happiness, health – and exciting new experiences!
For your first experience of the year, join the Bluff community on January 18-20 in beautiful Bluff for the 15th Annual Bluff International Balloon Festival. Enjoy three days of colorful skies, friendly encounters, artistic creations and delectable edibles.
Friday morning at sunrise the balloons lift off over town and follow air currents to distant landings on the fields, cliff-tops or even the airport! Get up close to the incredible envelopes as they inflate and come to life. Then follow along with your camera as the hot air behemoths create a spectacle in the cool morning air.
Friday night features fabulous fare for supper as Bluff Elementary School presents their Navajo Taco Benefit supper. Great food and fun as the students perform Native Dances and other entertainment while you dine on a traditional favorite fry-bread treat. The money raised supports school projects and special events.
Begin your bundled-up Saturday morning transfixed by 25 balloons framed by red rocks and rooftops. As the balloons touch down, visit the Arts Fair and shop creations from jewelry to fine art and much more. Vendors will showcase their talents and their food and you will find just what you didn’t know you were looking for!
Saturday’s experience continues with a long time favorite – the Southwest Cook-off. Pilots, visitors and local residents offer up bite-size servings of their edible delights and you get to vote for your favorite! From bacon wrapped jalapenos and chili, to brownies and more, we’ve eaten the best of classic recipes and new concoctions.
The fun continues on Saturday with the spectacular Glow-in. In a dazzling display the night will be lit by tethered hot air balloons blasting firelight through their colorful envelopes.
Sunday morning travel the red rock splendor of Valley of the Gods. Pilots, sponsors and visitors caravan through the sunrise from Bluff to prepare for flight across the magnificent spires of the valley.
The Bluff International Balloon Festival is celebrating 15 years of delight because the pilots, sponsors and visitors love to come back again and again.
Whether you are ready for a new experience to start the year, or you are ready to start the new year with an event that has become your favorite, please join them. You’ll be glad it’s a new year and thrilled with the experience.
What you need to know: All events take place at the Bluff Community Center on 3rd East Street in “downtown” Bluff. Balloon flights are based on the safety of weather conditions each morning. Take off is at approximately 7:30 in the morning so you’ll want to arrive early.
There is no charge to watch the spectacle but there’ll be lots to eat and shop for throughout the event and town. If you’d like to sell your creations in the arts fair, leave a message for Gene at 435-672-9959. You can cook a taste treat for the Southwest Cook-off and join in the afternoon of fun. Visit the Bluff Balloon festival to watch in wonder as the New Year begins.