Tractor Pulls and Hot Air Balloons – Does It Get Any Better?

Reflections, Tractor Pulls

Long time readers might remember from this post that my husband and I enjoy going to watch tractor pulls in the summer. We opted not to go to the Armada fair this year because of the on and off rain that weekend. Disappointed about missing the tractor pulls, we began looking for other upcoming pulls nearby. We discovered there was a pull scheduled in Metamora, about a 45-minute drive from us, on Saturday August 24 at 5:00 P.M. We decided that if the weather was good we would go.

As we looked at the schedule for the Metamora event, which was called Metamora Country Days, we discovered that along with tractor pulls they had, a craft sale, a bounce house for the kids, food vendors, chicken poop bingo and at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday night a hot air balloon festival.

One thing that I have never mentioned on my blog is my love for hot air balloons. It’s been a lot of years since I’ve even seen a hot air balloon, but in the 1980’s and early 1990’s it was quite common to see them in our area. I think it was 1986, the year I turned 21, that I decided to treat myself to a hot air balloon ride. I talked a friend into going with me and after we each saved to $125, we scheduled the ride. Flying in a balloon was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

My husband and I watched the weather forecast all week long, hoping and praying for dry weather, and I have to say that the weather couldn’t have been more perfect – clear, dry, hot but not humid, light winds for the balloon launch and a wind direction that carried the balloons right over the heads of those watching the tractor pulls and over the track where the tractors were pulling. Those watching the tractor pull did not even need to leave their seats to enjoy both shows.

Tina and Ken and Jackson and Addie met us there and we enjoyed burgers and fries, then my husband and I went to check out the balloon launch field while Tina and ken took the kids to play in the bounce house, eventually we all met up to watch the tractor pulls.

The first balloon to launch. It rose up out of the field behind us and floated over our heads before I took this picture.

I didn’t get many tractor pictures at this event.

For me the balloons were the icing on the cake and this carousel balloon was the cherry on top of the sundae. (I also love carousels!)

In all there were 22 balloons that went up that evening. What a beautiful sight! I suspect this annual event is one we will attend again in future years.

Thanks for visiting.

23 thoughts on “Tractor Pulls and Hot Air Balloons – Does It Get Any Better?”

  1. Pingback: Up, Up and Away – Amazing | Don't Eat It! Soap and Skin Care

  3. Hot air balloons are so beautiful. – And quiet. I remember once when I was visiting my sister in Arizona, I was going for a run in the desert one morning and suddenly had the distinct feeling I wasn’t alone. I looked up to see a balloon silently hovering about 30 feet over me! It seemed surreal.

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    1. Yes, quiet when drifting or descending but not quiet when going up – the burner is quite loud. I remember when we were up we saw deer running for cover when they heard the noise from the balloon.

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  4. I also love to watch hot air balloons and I didn’t know that you have been up in one yourself. I always wanted to go, but I don’t know if I will ever actually make it. Your two youngest daughters told me that they were going to get you to come out to New Mexico and see the Balloon Fiesta with them when they came out for Janae’s wedding. (Always the 1st week of October). I want you to know that I have plenty of extra beds if they can get you to come. 🙂

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    2. Well don’t expect us this year. Kara leaves Saturday for a work trip and will be gone 42 days straight. My sister and I are talking about scheduling a balloon ride with a company out of Oxford. Not sure yet what their availability is for September or if the weather will cooperate.

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      1. You are as busy as we are. AJ, Maribel and little Marcela are coming Sept 11 (actually, I am going to CA to drive here with them) to spend a week or so before AJ is off to another training until February. Army life is ….

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  6. Wow! Such a beautiful day in so many ways.

    I used to live in Albuquerque, and went to the hot balloon festival there several times – beautiful, joyful, majestic and awe-inspiring. I’ve never been in one, but my husband did, before I met him. He loved it.

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  7. Sounds like you had a nice day! Pete and I went chasing hot air balloons last month during the Jackson Jubilee.

    PS I also have picture from your hot air balloon ride. I sent you two e-mails because I didn’t know if if the first one went out.

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  8. Wow, looks like the perfect day. And how fun to share it with the kids. That carousel balloon is awesome. I’m so glad you guys got to go 😎

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  9. This looks like a lot of fun Ruth. I used to hear about the hot air balloons in Battle Creek (I think) years ago. I commend your bravery going up in that hot air balloon with your friend. It looks like there was something for everyone here, so it’s great the kids had non-stop entertainment and some good eatin’ as well.

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    1. Back in the 80’s (maybe 84 or 85) my aunt and I went to the Battle Creek festival. IT seems
      like there were between 50 and 80 balloons that year. Hard to remember but I have pictures somewhere.
      The Metomora festival was really nice. A lot of people but everyone was very pleasant.

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