Hot Air for Hope soars back into Carson Valley

Returning for its second year, Hot Air for Hope coordinators included homeschool and Diamond Valley Elementary School students in the community outreach program this year, kicking off Thursday with a demonstration at Balloon Nevada.

Students learned about the history of the balloon, the mechanics of modern day balloons, how weather plays a major roll and how to become a pilot.

Gardnerville resident Kayla Krische said her family attended the Hot Air for Hope Festival last year, but it was their first time seeing a demonstration.

“I’m glad they did one for the homeschool kids this year, it was fun to take the kids to,” said Krische. “They loved it, especially the fire filling up the balloon part.”

Leading up to the 2023 festival, Professor B. Loon, local pilots, and Hot Air for Hope coordinators went to schools throughout Douglas County to show off the balloons, and after popular demand, the demonstrations for homeschool families was added this year.

“We had quite a few homeschool families tell us they wanted to be a part of the demonstrations, so we made sure to include them this year,” said Hot Air for Hope Board Member Lorelei Lamb. “It gives more people a chance to see them up close and learn about them.”

Balloon demonstrations will continue for schools across Douglas County leading up to the festival with the world’s biggest gumdrop balloon showing at Piñon Hills and Meneley elementary schools.

Organized by the Center for Hope & Healing, balloonists, and Pinnacle title sponsored by Carson Tahoe Health, Hot Air for Hope is a fundraiser for the center with last year’s event bringing in $20,000.

“It was a great success last year with so much positive feedback,” said Hot Air For Hope Event Director Amanda Johnson, “and the excitement for this year’s event has been just as positive, everyone looking forward to it and working together to make it another success.”

The three-day event is free to the public and will be held at Lampe Park May 17-19 featuring hot balloon launches, food trucks, entertainment and more.

Changes to this year’s event is the location of “Fire it up, Carson Valley,” which will be at Lampe Park instead of Minden Park.

“I loved the idea of the balloons lit up at Minden Park, it just looks so picture perfect,” said Johnson, “but conveniency wise for the vendors it was a better call to have everything at the same location.”

Carson Tahoe Health is bringing Bob the Light House- a 110-foot-tall balloon, and Country Financial will have Spyderpig on display during the festival.

For more information visit https://www.hotairforhope.com/. Johnson encourages the public to pay attention to Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hotairforhope and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hotairforhope/ for updates regarding weather and festival changes.

“Our weather can be unpredictable, so we will do our best to keep everyone updated with information as we go,” she said.

Johnson and Hot Air for Hope members thanked their sponsors including Carson Tahoe Health, Country Financial, Great Reno Balloon Race, Comstock Propane, Balloon Nevada, Carson Valley Inn, CV Flyte, and more in addition to supporters and contributors Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, East Fork Fire, Carson Valley Visitors, Main Street Gardnerville, Minden Lawyers and Professor B. Loon.

“Visit Carson Valley has been amazing, Carson Tahoe, and really everyone has come together for another successful event, it takes a village and we’ve had amazing support,” said Johnson.

Center for Hope & Healing is a non-profit organization, providing free grief support to children, teens and adults dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Schedule of Events

Opening Day

May 17 at Lampe Park.

5 a.m. park opens.

6 a.m. National Anthem & Flag Balloons Launch.

6:15 a.m. Balloons begin to launch. Passengers included media, veterans and first responders.

Fire it up, Carson Valley

May 17 at Lampe Park.

6 p.m. Food trucks and vendors open.

6:45 p.m. Balloon pilots start to arrive for public meet and greet.

7:30 p.m. Pilots prepare baskets to “Fire it Up!” Candlestick and Chip Shot style.

8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Balloon Glow/ Static Balloon Display.

Balloon launch and Music & Vendor Festival

May 18 at Lampe Park.

5 a.m. park opens.

5 a.m.- 3 p.m. food trucks open.

5:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. arts, crafts and goods booth open.

6 a.m. National Anthem and Flag Balloons Launch.

6:15 a.m. Balloon Launch.

7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. tethered balloons, performers and entertainment.

Balloon Launch 

May 19 at Lampe Park.

5 a.m. park opens.

5 a.m.-10 a.m. food trucks open.

6 a.m. National Anthem & Flag Balloons Launch.

6:15 a.m. balloons launch.

7:30 a.m. tethered balloons (weather permitting).