Every year since 1990, thousands have gathered in Hudson to participate in the annual Hot Air Affair, the premier winter ballooning event and festival in the Midwest. This year’s event, “Paint the Sky,” will include approximately 35 hot air balloons. During the weekend of February 5-7, balloon pilots will participate in several spectacular morning and evening mass ascensions from Hudson’s EP Rock School on Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The event draws pilots from Wisconsin, Minnesota and beyond.
“It’s a family-focused event that has something for everyone,” says Evy Nerbonne, president of Hudson Hot Air Affair Inc., the nonprofit community organization that sponsors the festival in partnership with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. “We specifically planned it in February as a cure for cabin fever and a fun weekend getaway to take a break from winter. It’s also a homecoming for people to return to Hudson.”
In addition to watching the hot air balloons, eventgoers can participate in art and music activities, a costumed torchlight parade, marching kazoo bands, smooshboarding—where teams of four race while strapped to skis, boards or snowshoes—a photo contest, and more. One of this year’s highlights is the Veggie Race, where participants create vehicles out of vegetables and race them. “We specialize in silly,” Nerbonne says.
Hudson Hot Air Affair
February 5-7
For a full schedule of events, visit the website here.
