Mike Meyer wins 53rd Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race

  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Crews prepared balloons for flight and a weekend of events in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Crews prepared balloons for flight and a weekend of events in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • A family takes a lift in a hot air balloon at the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    A family takes a lift in a hot air balloon at the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Crews prepared balloons for flight and a weekend of events in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Crews prepared balloons for flight and a weekend of events in Helen. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
    Spectators and balloon crews gather in Helen for the 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival on June 4. Around 20 balloons are participating in events throughout the weekend. CARLY HENDERSON/WCN
  • Balloon pilot Steve Stokoe's race was cut short after he ran out of fuel Friday morning. SUBMITTED PHOTO
    Balloon pilot Steve Stokoe's race was cut short after he ran out of fuel Friday morning. SUBMITTED PHOTO

    By Carly Henderson 

     

    The 53rd annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival kicked off June 4 and continued through Saturday, June 6, bringing thousands of visitors to Helen for a …