East Texas

LONGVIEW — The Great Texas Balloon race returns this week and marks 30 years of hot air balloon racing in Longview. Events are set from Friday through July 13 at East Texas Regional Airport.

Racing gets underway at 6:30 a.m. on Friday with the Sport and Special Shape Balloon Competition. At 4 p.m., gates open at East Texas Regional Airport for Kid?s Land, music, arts and crafts vendors, food and drinks.

Friday's activities include the opening ceremonies and Sport and Special Shapes Balloon Glow at around 8:15 p.m., followed by a concert. Saturday starts with The Key Grab competition at 6:30 a.m. The balloon glow is again at 8:15 p.m. Saturday followed by a concert. The race wraps up on Sunday, July 13, at 6:30 a.m. with the final key grab competition and award presentations at 9:30 a.m.

Admission prices are $10 for Friday, $10 for Saturday and $2 for Sunday. Weekend passes are $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Active military members are free with military ID.

According to the Longview and Convention and Visitors Bureau, tickets are available in Longview at Longview Mall, 3500 McCann Road; Super Cuts, 303 W. Loop 281; and Longview Partnership, 410 N. Center St., Patterson Nissan, 1201 McCann Road.

Other ticket locations are the Patterson dealerships in Kilgore and Marshall, and Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, 813 N. Kilgore St.

The longest running hot-air balloon event in Texas, Great Texas Balloon Race began in 1978. From its original venue at Longview Mall, the race moved to the former Stroh?s Brewery and then to its current home at East Texas Regional Airport.

This file photo shows hundreds watching the Great Texas Balloon Race balloon glow in Longview in 2005.
((Staff File Photo))