Great Texas Balloon Race

06/12/2023

Great Texas Balloon Race, June 16-18, 2023 - Longview, TX

06/12/2023

Great Texas Balloon Race officials said Monday morning that pilots are on their way to launch points for this morning's official practice flight for the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.

Their ability to launch and fly will depend on the weather this morning. If pilots are able to fly, they will likely be taking off from points in the northeast area of Longview, and moving south toward public targets at St. Mary's Catholic Church and Bramlette Elementary School.

Great Texas Balloon Race officials said Monday morning that pilots are on their way to launch points for this morning's official practice flight for the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon

06/05/2023

A 30 year veteran of the Great Texas Balloon race is being remembered after his passing on Thursday.

He was involved with the Great Texas Balloon Race since 1990, eventually serving on the board of directors. Larry Aldridge died today after an illness. KLTV spoke with a longtime friend and fellow board member who said Aldridge was part of race founder Bill Bussey’s crew for many years, and poured his heart and soul into the event.

Past Great Texas Balloon Race Chair Michelle Ford said she’s been involved in the race since 2006, and Aldridge introduced her to it.

“Actually, I do give him credit for that, whether he wants to take credit or not. But he invited us to the balloon race, gifted us some VIP passes and some tickets one of those very first years we were here, and I just fell in love with the event,” Ford said.

Aldridge began volunteering for the race in 1990 and was part of Great Texas Balloon Race Founder Bill Bussey’s Crew.

06/05/2023

Hot air balloon festivals are a big thing in the United States. It is still a bucket list item for me that I haven't been able to do.

It first started getting big because of the one in Albuquerque. Around 828,800 people came in for the 2022 event. I am hoping this one will be just as big.

This June a hot air balloon festival and National Championship is coming to Texas. I mean look how cool these balloons are.

According to the Balloon Federation of America (BFA), Longview Texas is hosting the BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship Monday, June 12th-Sunday June 18th, 2023.

The Great Texas Balloon Race will also take place from June 16th-18th in Longview. According to their website, there will be musical entertainment and also kids can enter the event for free. The 2023 headline is country artist Jon Wolfe.

In 1978, the Great Texas Balloon Race was born from an agreement between Dr. Bill Bussey, D.D.S., a world-record hot air balloon pilot, and Frankie Parson Riggins and Mary LeTourneau, Longview Mall managers.

Hot air balloon festivals are a big thing in the United States. It is still a bucket list item for me that I haven't been able to do.

06/05/2023

Great Texas Balloon Race founder Bill Bussey doesn't usually take passengers in his racing balloon, but today he made an exception.

KLTV’s Jamey Boyum takes to the skies in a practice flight for the coming Great Texas Balloon Race with race founder Bill Bussey, who usually doesn’t take passengers in his racing balloon.

Great Texas Balloon Race founder Bill Bussey doesn't usually take passengers in his racing balloon, but today he made an exception.

06/05/2023

KLTV’s Jamey Boyum takes to the skies in a practice flight for the coming Great Texas Balloon Race with race founder Bill Bussey, who usually doesn’t take passengers in his racing balloon.

Great Texas Balloon Race founder Bill Bussey doesn't usually take passengers in his racing balloon, but today he made an exception.

03/26/2023

Welcome to Enjoy 2023 United States Groups of The Great Texas Balloon Race. Find out more about this unique festival focused on purebred Balloon that will be held in Longview, TX United States, from 16th June – 18th June 2023. Welcome to Enjoy 2023 United States Page of The Great Texas Balloon Race