Lift-off for the 50th Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race was scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. today.
Balloonists began the race at the launch field and will continue racing until the first person crosses Interstate 95. If no one crosses the interstate by sunset on Friday, June 2, whoever is in the lead wins.
On Friday and Saturday, local flying events with over 20 balloons will take place at 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m with no events taking place during the day. Opportunities will be available to the public including assisting inflations, being part of a chase crew or taking a tethered ride in a balloon.
The launch field is located across the river from Cool River Tubing and the city’s River Park. To enter the field, go across the bridge at Cool River Tubing and turn left.
While the majority of balloons will use the launch field, a few balloons may also launch in various places around town.
For details, visit helenga.org/events or helenballoon.com