The oldest balloon event in the South and the only long distance hot air balloon race in the U. S. begins (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of bright and colorful hot air balloons, in Helen, Georgia. Race competitors take to the sky early in the morning, annually, the first week of June. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable.The race finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami).
