by Bianca L. Granado 

Colorful balloons drifting through the Mesilla Valley will fill the skies at the 16th Annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20 at “Brown Farm” field located off El Camino Real and Armstrong Road.

The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally provides a free, safe and family-oriented event that can be enjoyed by all ages. The fun begins on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and the mass ascension of hot air balloons will be at 7:30 a.m.

“It’s our 16th rally and everyone involved has worked very hard,” said rally coordinator Michelle Miranda with Wells Fargo Bank. “It is an awesome family event and free to the public.”

Tethered balloon rides, a ride on a hot air balloon that is secured to the ground using long ropes, will be available to the public on Saturday for a $1 donation. The tethered balloon rides are sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. Line up starts at 8 a.m. and rides begin between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

“We encourage people to come out and not only view the mass ascension but get involved; it is a wonderful experience,” said Miranda.

Wells Fargo Bank is also sponsoring a hot air balloon glow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be another mass ascension on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally was first launched in 1982 as part of the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. In 1988, the rally became a separate event. The rally is supported by local and regional businesses in the form of paid sponsorships and services and is organized by an all-volunteer committee. The rally is sanctioned by the City of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County and the Federal Aviation Administration.

For more information contact Patti Havstad at (575) 649-1898.

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