National Balloon Classic
Indianola, Iowa
The Picturesque Southern Hills of Iowa
This weekend is the beginning of our annual National Balloon Classic here in Iowa, My family has been coming to this event before I was in elementary school. And that’s a long time. The majestic hot air balloons fill the sky with colors and the peaceful sound of the air being shot into the ginormous fabric. With the right conditions and the perfect location. The pilots with float the balloons right over your heads. Indianola, Iowa has the grandeur of scenery for the backdrop for this festival. Rolling hills filled with wildflowers, crops and the infrequent soft moo from the cattle in the background makes a native Iowan remember why we love living here so much.
The Activities
If you want to go all week long or just a day or two, here is the Schedule of Events. If you plan on being part of 
all the sights and sounds and have some cash to spend, then pay the entrance fee. You will be able to listen to the featured band and eat some not-so-healthy, but delicious food. Just make sure you bring a couple of essentials, lawn chairs and/or blanket to sit on and bug spray. Remember, this is Iowa and the great outdoors, the little creatures should stay away if you prepare yourself.
My family likes to do both. Pay to go into the field and drive around the countryside in my mom and dad’s ’67 Impala Convertible. This thing is a boat and can fit a lot of us in it. My Dad passed away 2 years ago now, but one of my fondest memories is chasing the balloons in the summer and getting ice cream in that car. It’s funny how the simplest things can turn into some of your favorite family memories.
Go out and try to catch a balloon this week. You might be developing your own family traditions!
