Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, on assignment for the Stowe Reporter
STOWE — As the sun set and the sky glowed in shades of pink and orange, the onlookers finally found release. The first hot air balloon flight lifted off the ground, attendees filling the basket to see the countryside from above after hours of uncertain weather and eager waiting.
The three-day Stowe Balloon Festival last week marked the return of hot air balloons to the Stowe skies for the first time since 2020 and offered guests a lineup of live music, circus-style performances and over 50 vendors.
If you were wary of floating into space, you could board balloons held several yards above the ground by a triad of ropes.
“It’s an experience of a lifetime. It’s a bucket list item,” said attendee Amy Yantorno, who hoped on Saturday to go up in one of those tethered flights with her two children.
The family, visiting from Connecticut, opted to return the next day to try again after their flight was delayed due to inclement weather. Their experience echoed that of others at the festival.
Strong winds meant most flights were delayed or cancelled the first two days. Untethered flights — initially planned for two launches a day — did not get off the ground until the final night of the festival that Sunday.
Tethered flights saw more success, with several launches starting late Saturday evening.
“They really worked hard to get us up,” Maryland resident Dorie Kirk said after her successful flight. “It was cool because we got to help.”
Prior to 2020, Stoweflake Mountain Resort had hosted the area’s signature hot air balloon fest. But after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the resort shut the event down indefinitely.
This year the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort revived the tradition, inspired by Stoweflake and the famous musical family’s own hot air balloon history.
Kristina von Trapp, lodge director and vice president and granddaughter of clan matriarch Maria von Trapp, said resort leaders organized the festival after learning that her parents were part of a balloon co-op.
“We want to bring vibrancy back to Stowe, and we have this amazing property,” von Trapp said.
Though weather made balloon flights difficult, it did not stop local vendors and performers.
Comedy and stunt duo Her Majesty’s Secret Circus drew eyes with a show that included crowd work, bow-and-plunger trick shots and fire juggling.
Nearby, merchants from around the state sold artwork and food to festival-goers. Winooski artist Rachel Box-Dunne debuted hot air balloon–shaped earrings to mark the occasion.
“It took a few tries — I didn’t want them to just be the typical hot air balloon,” Box-Dunne said. “I’m making a bunch all summer.”
She and others hope to return to the festival should it be held again.
On Saturday, the night ended as many such festivals do, with what’s called a balloon glow. Teams arranged a handful of the craft in a row across a field, the bags and baskets on their sides. The crews ran the burners, and all along the grass the balloons bloomed in the dark.