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Annual balloon rally takes to skies over Cortez

By Erika Alvero Journal staff writer

Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 10:07 PM

The Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally attracted balloon companies from around the Four Corners region for the three-day event.

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Staff from True-Lee New Mexico stoke the flames before their flight. True-Lee came to the Cortez rally from Gallup, New Mexico, said co-owner Jennifer Lee. Their balloon is 66 feet tall, 63 feet wide and 901 pounds.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

Hot air balloons took off from Parque de Vida Friday through Sunday for the annual Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally. Local community members were given rides on the ballons this weekend.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

Balloon set-up began about 6:30 a.m.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

Balloons in varying stages of setup. After taking off, the hot air balloons were then followed by chase teams in cars.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

True-Lee co-owner Bill Lee takes Brandon, RIley, and Madison Schubert on a hot air balloon ride. Lee has been a pilot for 22 years, said his wife, Jennifer.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

A balloon in flight.

Erika Alvero/The Journal

Rainbow globes dotted the city skies this weekend for the 17th annual Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally.

The rally at Parque de Vida attracts pilots and balloons from across the Four Corners area. Balloons are set up and take off from the park about 6:30 a.m. from Friday through Sunday.

Local community members were given rides.

After take-off, chase teams followed the balloons in vehicles to recover them after they landed.

The annual balloon glow was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

ealvero@the-journal.com

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Annual balloon rally takes to skies over Cortez

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