Where are the Hot Air Balloons photo OPs in NY?

[ok20]

Anyone knows or has attended hot air balloons launches in NY/ CT/ NJ?

[BaliHai]

Two that I know of are in western NY and PA. Sky Jam in Jamestown, NY and Thurston Classic in Meadville, PA. These are about a 6-8 hour drive a little more with traffic. Also quite a few in Ohio.

[ok20]

Thank you for posting.

That sounds great. That would be a cool W/E trip from Manhattan (where I am).
Which of the NY and PA fields/ events do you prefer?

I can imagine the scene at sunrise, fantastic light with a clear sky (with a few clouds) and lots of balloons getting ready and some in the air.

[inthedeck]

Not sure where there's any hot-air balloons, but I know where you can get some great sky-diving pictures. Up I-87 over the tappan zee bridge, there's a place about 40 minutes from the Tap...that does skydiving. I believe the name of the site is http://www.skydivetheranch.com/

May not be the same thing...but, it's definately a great time, if you are into jumping. I've jumped once, it was awesome, scary, and weird at the same time.

[ok20]

True. I jumped 6 times total in the US and abroad but always in tandem. The accelaration right out of the plane the first 10 seconds is out of this world.

Good times.

[inthedeck]

Yeap, same here. Jumped tandem...they don't let first time jumpers jump by themselves...hehe. That might be a problem!

[nicksan]

That's something I will never do! Scared of heights!@#
Yep, go ahead, call me chicken!:lol:

Any spots in Jersey that might have air balloons?

[ok20]

Well, once you get passed the idea of jumping out of a plane and after you reach terminal velocity, then the rest of the fall doesn't really feel like you are falling, it's more like you are floating and what a view! That last phase lasts about 20-25 precious seconds (depending on the jump altitude of course).

Then they open the 'chute but by then the view isn't as cool anymore and that's another 3 minutes or so to reach terra firma.

[inthedeck]

Yeap...and at 14K feet above ground, that couple of minutes seems like forever...hehe. It's an awesome feeling, though...and once you have achieved it, I don't believe that one has anything left to prove.

[nicksan]

I am under the opinion that humans were never meant to fly like that.
Why temp fate?
LOL!

Seriously, sounds exciting...just not my cup of tea!

Something about heights that really bother me. I don't mind the water, scuba diving and all that, but sky-diving...no way!:shock:

[Win]

There is a balloon festival in the Flemington, NJ area sometime late or mid Summer.

Win

[ok20]

Thank you Win. I made note of it.

Is it this one? link to wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quick_Chek_New_Jersey_Festival_of_Ballooning).

This is the event's web site (http://www.balloonfestival.com/).

[GovMule]

http://www.syracuseballoonfest.com/
Here's a shot I got off last year. If the weather's decent,this can be a great medium sized festival,in beautiful surroundings.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/GovMule/2007-06-09%20Pratts%20-%20Highland/BalloonBlast_6123.jpg

[ok20]

Wow, thanks GovMule.

We just got together with a bunch of POTN NY members (see this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=444965&page=26)) and this could be a great idea for one of our next meetings. I am going to suggest a hot air balloons shoot for this summer. I guess the weather has to get warmer first.

[ooo]

Are you organizing this event =)

[engsetr1]

Readington NJ
I believe it is the quick check balloon festival

[ok20]

Are you organizing this event =)

I have been thinking about it. If there is an interest for it from POTN members, I think I'd for it.

[ok20]

Readington NJ
I believe it is the quick check balloon festival


Yes, that seems to be a good one, it's been mentioned on the previous page and I found the web site (http://www.balloonfestival.com/).

[GovMule]

That looks like a great balloon festival. Did you notice the name of one of the bands in the survey ?

[DVS_WiNdz]

Is there going to be one soon? I think I heard something over in the other thread.

[ok20]

Yes I would like to organize it. Apparently the idea is getting some traction among the POTN members I met with during the Chinese New Year NY shooting meeting.

[ok20]

That looks like a great balloon festival. Did you notice the name of one of the bands in the survey ?


No, I didn't look. What did you see?

[BaliHai]

The Thurston Classic in Meadville PA is usually Father's Day weekend. They start on Thursday night with a nightime glow with about 8-10 Balloons. Friday night starts the competion with sponser event usually Hare and Hound. Saturday morning is a fly in over a target task and Saturday night is mass launch to a target. Sunday morning is again a fly in over target. All events are dictated by weather, I believe that if there is a weather system within 50 miles of launch balloons will be held till conditions improve or cancelled if necessary. I have volunteered as a observer at this meet as well as flown on a couple of sponser flights. Sky Jam I believe is August at the Jamestown, NY airport.

[nicksan]

http://www.balloonfestival.com/entertainment/event/

Looks like a colorful event.
Might be interested in going...
No, I didn't look. What did you see?

[ok20]

In response to GovMule, I see three bands on the page from the link you posted Nick but I don't know any of them. Are they good?

[nicksan]

I guess they are fairly well know here in the States.

In response to GovMule, I see three bands on the page from the link you posted Nick but I don't know any of them. Are they good?

[GovMule]

In response to GovMule, I see three bands on the page from the link you posted Nick but I don't know any of them. Are they good?

GOV'T MULE ! (listed in the band survey,as who you would like to see play the festival) These guys can bring it !