By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Almost picture perfect weather greeted balloonist and spectators at the 2022 International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally held at the La Mesa Airfield over July Fourth weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday very light winds allowed some pilots to stay close to the field and gave spectators a show not seen in a long time in Raton. Kissing balloons were seen at least a couple of times during the event as balloons moved slowly over the field. Saturday morning winds allowed pilots to maneuver their balloons fairly close to the field. Sunday’s winds down low allowed pilots to stay close while the winds aloft took the balloon pilots and riders north over Raton. Pilots found landing spots mostly in east Raton a sight not seems in several years of ballooning in Raton.
Monday morning was another Chamber of Commerce day with beautiful blue skies and light winds again allowing pilots to stay close to the field. Some pilots lifted up and went higher into winds that carried them north from the airfield to find landing zones only a short distance from the field while others ended up only across the road.
The Elks Lodge once again provided pancakes and sausage to spectators at the event while DJ Teddy Romero supplied the air with music and later, games for the kiddos. The class of 1972 planned their class reunion for the weekend and sponsored a balloon allowing several of the class to get a first time ride in a hot air balloon. It was noted that several out of state license plates were seen on the field.
New Mexico Magazine even ranked the Raton Balloon Rally as their number one event to see during the 4th of July weekend making Raton one of the hot spots in the state.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of the 4th of July Balloon Rally. I am putting this on my must attend bucket list.