Balloons Over Letchworth

08/17/2024

08/16/2024

Another aerial view of Letchworth (and our balloon “Emerald City”) from a different angle; here we’re looking south, and down at the Archery Field and Big Bend overlook; then out to the Castile gate; and again, the train bridge is visible in the distance.
Misty mornings make for a beautiful backdrop for a balloon ride!

08/15/2024

Great footage of our flight yesterday morning! Thanks, John!

08/14/2024

A different perspective on a beautiful park! For context, the balloon seen in this video (Dawn Treader) is above the Lower Falls parking lot, and we are looking toward the west. Beyond it is the Archery Field overlook. If you look carefully, you can then see the Lower Falls, the footbridge, and at the tail end of the video, the train bridge at Upper Falls. Many of the iconic locations at Letchworth State Park!

08/08/2024

Pilot’s log from 8/1/2024:
Enjoyed a great flight this morning alongside my brother Lee. We maneuvered together to experience a unique view into the Wolf Creek ravine in Letchworth Park. Just before this we saw at least 3 bald eagles flying below us, several herons and a few turkey buzzards as well (the birds that are *actually* bald). What a morning!

- Lance Teitsworth

07/31/2024

Sometimes all that’s needed is a different perspective…

07/24/2024

Another pieceful morning in Letchworth…😏🧩🎈

07/22/2024

Happy Monday! 🤗🎈

07/19/2024

We’re in the middle of a beautiful stretch of flying, and we look forward to another sunset flight this evening. Come watch two balloons launch tonight, or join us for all of the festivities tomorrow for the New York State Parks Legacy celebration!

07/18/2024

YES WE WILL BE part of the celebrations at Letchworth State Park this Saturday! A “Balloons Over Letchworth” balloon will be tethered (wind and weather permitting of course) at the High Banks rec area this Saturday evening during the New York State Parks Legacy Celebration (see State Park page's pinned post for further details on the event. Spoiler: concert and fireworks are also planned!) If conditions are right--and they do look promising at this point, though we never guarantee anything beforehand--you can expect us to ***tether from about 6:30pm to about 8:30pm*** with tethered rides available for sale. From about 4:00 to about 6:00, we will have a balloon basket on display. This will be a great (free!) photo op for the kids, as they'll be able to experience the power of the balloon burners up close! We will also have some of our merch available for sale at the tent.
We'll see you out there!

07/08/2024

There’s nothing quite like a mid-summer flight…and tonight’s flight is on! So come on out to watch our launch tonight in between the Upper and Middle falls! The launch will be at some point between 6:30 and 7:30pm.

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day!

If you don’t have other plans, come watch a hot air balloon launch! The forecast looks good, so (barring something unexpected with the weather,) we plan to launch our two largest balloons. Meeting time is 6:30, and we aim to be off the ground between around 7:00 and 7:40. Launch location is at the Upper Middle Falls area in Letchworth.

But wherever you are, we wish you a happy Fourth of July!

📸 Joe Serio Photography

06/17/2024

What a beautiful flight we had this past Saturday night where all 3 balloons flew! We hope all you fathers out there had a wonderful Father’s Day yesterday. All 3 of our pilots are fathers and we are so thankful for each of them!

06/12/2024

Yesterday we started a new series on Instagram called “Trivia Tuesday”! This was the first question:

Why do hot air balloons fly at sunrise and sunset?
A) It’s the best time to take photos
B)The FAA mandates it
C) It’s when the wind tends to be calmer
D) We can see more wildlife

The answer was C! We fly only in the morning and evening (sunrise and sunset) because balloon operations require very light winds; and it is when the sun is low in the sky that surface winds tend to be the most calm!

Actually, this evening is one of those nights when we have light enough winds to fly! So if you’re near - head on over to watch us launch! We launch in between the Middle and Upper falls! Meeting time is 6:30pm!

06/10/2024

Don’t mind us…we’re just reminiscing about the beautiful flights we had a couple weekends ago and how great it was to have so many of YOU join us for the launches! We are blessed that we get to do this in such an incredible place like !

📸: Sprung Photography

06/04/2024

The peaceful moments and views that only a ride in a hot air balloon can provide….😍

05/31/2024

Flights (two balloons) are ON for tonight(Friday 5/31), at the Upper Middle Falls balloon launch site. We’ll meet at 6:00; we may have to wait for the wind to calm. As long as the wind calms sufficiently, launches could be anywhere between about 6:30 and 7:45. We have at least two balloons scheduled tomorrow night (Saturday 6/1) as well, and, although we can’t guarantee it now, weather does look promising.

As always, it’s free to watch the launch!

05/30/2024

Smiles (and smiley faces) all around!

We want to give a shout-out and a huge thank you to RE/MAX, who helped sponsor the Red, White and Blue balloon rally last weekend. They've been steadfast supporters of hot air balloons and events for decades, and we're so thankful for their support; without them, the weekend event probably doesn't happen.

Thank you!

On a very different but related note, as we mention smiles and red white and blue, we reserve space to honor the fallen: which of course is the entire purpose of Memorial Day. The sacrifice of the fallen and their families are not forgotten. We're thankful to live in a land defended by men and women who allow us to do lighthearted things like float with the wind over some of the most spectacular landscape in the country.
We also thank you!

Photo by Walters Photography

05/28/2024

Why wait?!
After the 2024 Letchworth Red, White and Blue Balloon Rally, we've heard a lot of people say they "can't wait for next year."
Although our guest pilots won't be with us the rest of the season, our own (up to) three ride balloons will launch beside the biggest Letchworth waterfalls Monday through Saturday through the end of October (wind and weather permitting), and it's always free to watch! (Of course, we still float with the wind, so we never guarantee any particular flight path!)

Here's how to catch us:
https://www.libertyballoon.com/flightinfo/

For ride details, visit balloonsoverletchworth.com

Thank you all for your ongoing support. It's a true joy to share the beauty of Letchworth State Park through the lens of lighter-than-air flight.
Cheers!!

05/26/2024

…And that’s a wrap!!!! The Red, White and Blue Balloon Rally of 2024 is now complete, and we have so many wonderful memories from the weekend! Thanks to all who came out to experience ballooning with us, make memories with friends and family, and to enjoy the beautiful landscape of . We are thankful that the weekend was a huge success!

***As a reminder, there will NOT be any more flights from the park Sunday evening or Monday.****

05/26/2024

********A misty Sunday morning?*********

Sunday (5/26/24) morning’s forecast calls for area-wide fog and low ceilings. We do not expect to fly away. Winds should be fairly calm despite the poor visibility, so it’s likely RE/MAX and/or other balloons may stand up for “static” display.

But what a weekend of flying! We’ll share photos and moments from the weekend over the coming days and weeks. Thanks to all for sharing the experience of ballooning in Letchworth with us!

(Photo courtesy of Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District)

05/25/2024

****Weather-relevant update Saturday mid-day/early afternoon 5/25/24****

(Note: Information in this post is relevant for all passenger flights from inside Letchworth Park. We schedule rides May through October, Monday through Saturday. Different areas of the country or the world may have different specific weather guidelines than we do.)

#1 We will not make decisions about evening launches until closer to the launch window.
#2 New aviation forecasts are released at about 2:00 in the afternoon, and we almost always want to see that forecast prior to making go/no-go decisions.
#3 For passengers on a TYPICAL flight period (a launch of 20 balloons is not typical! We normally launch one, two or three balloons at a time from the park), we do our best to make a go/no-go call by 3pm, and communicate that to passengers and crew.
#4 During the Rally weekend, all pilots and crew meet on site just prior to the launch window for a weather briefing, unless it is a VERY obvious that we will not fly.
#5 There are times when it may not be suitable to fully launch, but balloons may inflate and stand up or tether on the field
#6 We will not launch with the immediate threat of precipitation
#7 We probably will not fly within 50 miles of thunderstorms
#8 If it's a bigger storm or system, that distance may be about 100 miles

Summary:
Before our scheduled fight window this evening (5/25/24), we expect storms to move through the region and our area. Some may be severe. We won't even think about launching near those while they last.

The relevant question: Might those storms move out before our scheduled launch window closes?

Stay tuned!
Barring the presence of significant imminent storms, there will be at least some pilots and crews on the field ready to bring out balloons for show if weather allows.

MERCH TENT: If the weather is clear, we will have merchandise available. If it is storming or very poor weather, we may close the tent. No matter what, merchandise is/will be available, pending re-stocking, on shop.balloonsoverletchworth.com. We still have a good supply of spinners and puzzles available.

We will watch the weather and provide updates as we're able!

05/25/2024

*********Weather update Saturday morning 4/25********
The forecast looks promising this morning. Again, there could be some wind, so no guarantees, as usual, until we reach the field and we see what conditions are. Right now, we ARE optimistic that we will fly. Scheduled launch window is between 6am and 7am.

In response to many questions, once the balloons launch—assuming we’re able to—we fly with the wind away from the launch site, and we land elsewhere.

Who has photos from last night? We love to see what you saw!

05/24/2024

*** WEATHER UPDATE ***
Currently the balloon launch is on hold. Pilots will reconvene to take another look at wind speed. We will post again if/when the balloons will fly! Stay tuned!!

05/24/2024

***********WEATHER UPDATE******************** Friday evening, 5/24/24
We'll be watching the wind spinners tonight!
This beautiful day **does** have some wind forecast early. We expect it to calm by around 7 or 7:30 tonight, and we do expect to be able to launch around that time. We're looking for surface winds of less than about 6mph. If your hair is moving in the wind, it might be too windy--and of course, we have to consider the winds just above the trees even more than surface. You might see some toy balloons released throughout the evening--pilots are checking the winds aloft.

It's a spectacular day to enjoy the park--and, here's hoping, balloons too!!

05/23/2024

***Top 10 Ways to enjoy the Letchworth Red, White and Blue Hot Air Balloon Event:***

Spoiler: # 1 is...BE FLEXIBLE! Because even a "nice" day might not be good for flying balloons. Be ready for cancellations, because balloons are incredibly sensitive to winds and weather! Read on for help with how to manage this reality of ballooning!

(For a full schedule of launches and event details, check other posts on our page. Follow us on social media for weather status updates prior to
each scheduled flight)

Photo credits: Joe Serio Photography and Jill Teitsworth

# 10: Bring a picnic! If you’re there for balloons, most likely the weather is nice enough for a picnic: even if it’s not good enough for flying (more on this later). Note: hot dogs will be available for sale by the Friends of Letchworth, while supplies last.

# 9: Be patient, especially with the park workers. Allow extra time to enter the park and reach the Archery Field, where balloons are scheduled to launch; as it approaches
launch time, you can expect traffic, and there are few things more frustrating than missing the inflation
and launch because you can’t reach the field in time. Remember, before 5pm there is a vehicle usage
fee of $10 to enter the state park.

# 8: Use either the Castile or Portageville entrance. Unless you want the scenic drive, it's a long way to the Archery Field (where the balloons are scheduled to launch) from the Perry or Mt Morris entrances.

#7: Buy some merch! It’s no more than ten bucks per car to enter the park, and it’s free to enter after
5pm (though you might be caught in traffic that late), and it’s free to watch the launches. So, your Balloons Over Letchworth purchase supports the event; and our merch is high quality! (Also available online at shop.balloonsoverletchworth.com)

#6: Learn ahead of time what other activities are available. In Letchworth, there is a hot dog and snack tent to support the Friends of Letchworth: but no bounce houses, funnel cakes or other festival-type vendors. Plan for a day at the park and enjoy the balloons if they fly: but don't expect live music or many vendors. The landscape is much more like a national park than a concert venue.

#5: Visit the RE/MAX balloon while you await inflation. Many times, a pilot or crew member—especially the RE/MAX team—might show you the basket and burners up close and offer a photo-op. Especially for impatient kids who need to get moving, this could make the whole visit worthwhile!

#4: Go for a ride! If your budget allows, try it—you might be surprised at how “not scary” it is to fly. Details at balloonsoverletchworth.com

#3: Check the Balloons Over Letchworth social media for weather updates. Don’t travel far without at least checking for an update!

#2: At Letchworth State Park, Visit the Humphrey Nature Center, the Upper and Middle Falls, the Autism Nature Trail, Glen Iris Inn, and/or the many other attractions within the park. Too many people count on seeing the balloons but miss some of the other fantastic aspects of Letchworth State Park!

#1: BE FLEXIBLE! Before ever planning to come out for a balloon launch, understand that however wind and weather-sensitive you may think balloons are, they are probably MUCH more so than you think! Even a “nice” day may not provide the right conditions to fly hot air balloons. If you understand that it’s just as likely the
launch will be scrubbed as not, then you’ll have the right mindset so when the launch really does happen…you’ll be delighted beyond your expectations!

**Learn more at www.balloonsoverletchworth.com. We fly one, two, or three passenger balloons from within Letchworth State Park morning and evening, Monday through Saturday, May through October whenever the winds and weather cooperate.

05/21/2024

***Merch tent hours will be 4-7pm Friday and Saturday (5/24 and 5/25). Come say hello! Any purchase made at this tent helps support the event.

***If you miss us this weekend, items displayed and more (notably balloon wind spinners--limited supply--and another custom puzzle, 500 pieces) will be available at shop.balloonsoverletchworth.com.

We appreciate your support!

***Also this weekend, the Friends Of Letchworth State Park will have their tent open with hot dogs and drinks available (while supplies last), as well as some merch items for sale. Their mission is "to support the preservation, conservation and careful development of Letchworth State Park." Your purchase at their tent supports that important mission!

Note: The crowds come for Memorial Day weekend (up to 20 balloons) but ride balloons fly from the park whenever the weather is right, Monday through Saturday, May through October. You can witness launches of one, two or three balloons at other times throughout the year, if you know the times and catch the weather just right. Follow our page for updates and info!

05/20/2024

The 2024 Letchworth Red, White and Blue hot air balloon rally takes place Memorial Day weekend! Rides available through www.balloonsoverletchworth.com.

If you're hoping to watch a launch, spectators are welcome at the park. There are four launch windows this year: Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. (NOTE: no flights scheduled Sunday night or Monday this year.)

**Schedule:** Balloons may launch any time between 6am and 7am in the morning. Evenings, any time between 6pm and 7:50pm. Launches are highly dependent on weather, and especially wind! Go/no-go decisions are typically made close to flight time.

It's free to watch; remember, the park does collect a vehicle usage fee of $10 between 9am and 5pm.

Apparel and merch tent will be open from 4pm-7pm Friday and Saturday. Merch also available online at shop.balloonsoverletchworth.com.

We will make every effort to update flight status here on this page (cell service can be limited.)

We cannot wait for this weekend, as so many of our pilot and crew friends will join us to fly THE most spectacular state park in the country!

05/17/2024

Reserve your ride Memorial Day weekend for our Red, White and Blue balloon rally-- ride openings still available!

www.balloonsoverletchworth.com

05/09/2024

We’re partial to the hot air balloons (where else can you see balloons as a feature of a playground?!)
But we brought the kids here last summer, and we ALL loved this playground. We highly recommend checking it out!