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.