The skies over Winthrop will brighten with the brilliant colors of more than a dozen hot air balloons during the Winthrop Balloon Roundup March 3-5.
The three-day event is a photographer’s dream with an incredible visual display as the balloons fly over the old Western town of Winthrop and the snow-capped mountains of the North Cascades.
While many balloon festivals are held in the summertime, the Winthrop Balloon Roundup allows visitors to experience the Methow Valley’s world-class winter recreational pursuits of Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.
Arrive March 3 -5 at 6:45 a.m. behind the Winthrop Inn, 960 Highway 20. Parking is available at the nearby Methow Valley Thriftway. The balloons begin inflating at 7 a.m. and will generally stay up in the air until about 9 a.m. There is no charge to watch the balloons. Pets and smoking are prohibited around the balloons.
An evening balloon glow is planned in the Town of Winthrop.
The streets close at 4 p.m. to clear space for the balloons. No cars may park at the north end of Riverside Avenue after 4 p.m. The balloons will arrive around 5:30 p.m. to set up.
For the glow, the balloons are inflated but do not take off. Parking for the glow is available at the Winthrop Barn Auditorium or the Town Trailhead.
Want to ride in a balloon? Contact Snohomish Balloon Ride, Balloon Depot or Seattle Ballooning for more information.
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