"From the Center of the world to the edge of the Earth" Pete Hodkinson, 1974
49th Annual Helen to the AtlanticBalloon Race & Festival June 2, 3 and 4, 2022 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The South's oldest balloon event and the United States' only long distance hot air balloon race will begin (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of around 20 bright and colorful hot air balloons, in North Georgia's Alpine Village - Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7:00 am, Thursday, June 2, 2022. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable. The people of Helen believe that Helen, Georgia is the center of their world and in Columbus' day the Atlantic Ocean was the "edge of the Earth". Thus, Pete Hodkinson came up with the concept for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. The race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days. It has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Several balloons will be competing in the cross country race. It is a race where both the pilot's and crew's skills are challenged. A balloon can only go the same speed and direction as the wind. The pilot must find the altitude which gives him/her the best speed as well as direction towards the finish line. The race becomes a crew event as well, since the balloons are limited to 40 gallons of fuel (propane). Forty gallons is approximately enough fuel to last 4 hours, so the balloons have to land for refueling. If the crew is not there immediately with fresh tanks, valuable time is lost while the pilot and crew try to find each other. The winner is the first person to cross I-95, or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, June 3, 2022. While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonist compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting). The balloons will only fly for around 1 to 2 hours. There are many opportunities for to the public to assist with the inflation of the balloons, or be a part of a chase crew and follow the balloon. There will be approximately 20 balloons flying locally. There will be NO ballooning activities during the middle of the day . Helen offers many sights and attractions to keep one busy when the balloons are not flying. Ballooning in Helen is challenging because the Alpine Village is surrounded by Mountains, National Forest and State Parks. However it is worth the added effort when you can look down just above the tree tops at the mountains, the vast woodlands, the streams and the waterfalls. You might even catch a glimpse of a group of deer or watch a hawk or eagle snare its dinner. While staying at the Helendorf the pilots, their families and crews stay busy with hot dog roasts on the patio by the river, tubing down the river, hikes to waterfalls, picnics, buggy rides, an afternoon at the amusement park, a round of golf, gold panning, visits to museums or shopping. Alpine Helen offers much for guests to enjoy. Our Balloonmeister is Tarp Head. He participated in the event the since the first year in 1974. He won the race to the Atlantic in 1979. His interest in the balloon race led to his vocation. He started HEAD Balloons, Inc., one of five FAA approved balloon manufactures in the United States. Schedule: June 2 7:00 am lift-off for Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Mass Ascension June 3 7:00 am local balloon event June 4 7:00 am local balloon event ****** ALL BALLOON EVENTS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT (No balloons if it is raining or too windy) - LAUNCH
FIELD LOCATION click here for a map to the launch field For a Map and Driving Directions to Helen click here. Check with Race Headquarters for updates on who is winning the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. Race updates may be posted here during the event, however they may not be as current as you will get by calling the Race
Headquarters.
For more information on the event contact Race Headquarters at 706-878-2271 or email us at
Click here to see D�sir�e and Tarp's webpage |
Helen hot air balloon festival 2022
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