Kass's Sky-High Serendipity: Capturing the Magic of High River's Balloon GlowIn the crisp Alberta autumn air, where the prairies stretch out like an endless canvas, High River transforms into a canvas of color and wonder each September. As part of the 13th annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, running from September 24 to 28, 2025, this year's Balloon Glow on Friday, September 26, lit up the Wallaceville Glow Site with a spectacle that drew thousands, nearly doubling the town's population for one enchanting evening. And for Kass, the wandering lens behind KassDays, it was a serendipitous snapshot of joy, captured just a couple of weeks ago on a whim.
Kass's photos tell the story better than words: the first, a vibrant close-up at dusk, frames a rainbow-striped hot air balloon inflating against the deepening blue sky, its burners roaring to life amid a crowd of excited onlookers bundled in hoodies and hats. Flames dance like fireflies, casting a warm glow on smiling faces and the subtle "G" markings on nearby envelopes—hints of the quirky designs that make these giants of the sky so irresistible. The second shot pulls back to the field's edge, where a fleet of balloons in every hue—plaid patterns, bold blues, and even a whimsical gray one with yellow ears—huddle like a flock of oversized birds, tethered beside chase trucks on the golden grass. The scene hums with anticipation: volunteers in orange vests, families picnicking on the turf, and the faint sizzle of food trucks slinging poutine and fair treats under the fading light.
This free-to-attend highlight of the festival isn't just about the visuals; it's a sensory symphony. Feel the radiant heat from the propane blasts, hear the whoosh of inflating nylon, and watch as sunset gives way to a lantern-lit wonderland. Around 25 balloons from pilots across the globe participate, turning the night into a tethered light show—no launches here, just pure, grounded magic. It's family-friendly chaos at its best: kids wide-eyed under the envelopes, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and locals volunteering to keep the vibes soaring. Weather played nice this year, dipping to a cozy 12°C post-sunset, but layers are key for that perfect glow-hour perch on the grass.
For Kass, who stumbled upon the event mid-festival, these shots are a reminder of Alberta's hidden gems, affordable thrills (just $20 for park-and-ride, cash only) that pack more punch than any big-city bash. No wonder it's a must-return: next year, Kass is plotting an earlier arrival, staking out prime real estate with a trusty lawn chair for uninterrupted views of the burners' ballet. Swing by kassdays YouTube Channel to see more from the field, and if you're in southern Alberta, mark your calendars, the festival's flights and glows are weather-dependent, but the memories? They're guaranteed to lift you up.
Kass's photos tell the story better than words: the first, a vibrant close-up at dusk, frames a rainbow-striped hot air balloon inflating against the deepening blue sky, its burners roaring to life amid a crowd of excited onlookers bundled in hoodies and hats. Flames dance like fireflies, casting a warm glow on smiling faces and the subtle "G" markings on nearby envelopes—hints of the quirky designs that make these giants of the sky so irresistible. The second shot pulls back to the field's edge, where a fleet of balloons in every hue—plaid patterns, bold blues, and even a whimsical gray one with yellow ears—huddle like a flock of oversized birds, tethered beside chase trucks on the golden grass. The scene hums with anticipation: volunteers in orange vests, families picnicking on the turf, and the faint sizzle of food trucks slinging poutine and fair treats under the fading light.
This free-to-attend highlight of the festival isn't just about the visuals; it's a sensory symphony. Feel the radiant heat from the propane blasts, hear the whoosh of inflating nylon, and watch as sunset gives way to a lantern-lit wonderland. Around 25 balloons from pilots across the globe participate, turning the night into a tethered light show—no launches here, just pure, grounded magic. It's family-friendly chaos at its best: kids wide-eyed under the envelopes, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and locals volunteering to keep the vibes soaring. Weather played nice this year, dipping to a cozy 12°C post-sunset, but layers are key for that perfect glow-hour perch on the grass.
For Kass, who stumbled upon the event mid-festival, these shots are a reminder of Alberta's hidden gems, affordable thrills (just $20 for park-and-ride, cash only) that pack more punch than any big-city bash. No wonder it's a must-return: next year, Kass is plotting an earlier arrival, staking out prime real estate with a trusty lawn chair for uninterrupted views of the burners' ballet. Swing by kassdays YouTube Channel to see more from the field, and if you're in southern Alberta, mark your calendars, the festival's flights and glows are weather-dependent, but the memories? They're guaranteed to lift you up.
What's your favourite festival glow-up? Share in the comments, Kass might just chase the next one with you! Views rising like balloons, one share at a time.
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