A common question the folks who put on the Hot Air Affair (Feb. 6-8) up in Hudson hear is, do you really fly hot air balloons on a frigid day? Yes! Now in its 37th year of launching balloons into the sky in the middle of winter, the spectator-only event most definitely features balloons in the air. But wind conditions and visibility are key.
Even if the weather puts the kibosh on flying, there’s plenty going on, including ice fishing and smooshboarding (four people strapped to one ski or board). Stick around for the nighttime balloon “glow,” where grounded, inflated balloons are illuminated from within, “lighting up the night sky,” says Ken Walter, a pilot and event organizer.
Check out our favorite photos of the event below.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
