2023 Model Balloons

New for 2023: Model Balloons

Unless otherwise noted, inflations on Saturday morning are at about 7-7:45 a.m.

Evening inflations at the event grounds will be at 8:50 p.m. during the balloon glow.

(Go here to see the information about this year's special shape balloons).

For the first time this year, the Great Texas Balloon Race will include the flight of "model" hot air balloons. The slightly smaller balloons are still powered by propane but are steered by a remote pilot on the ground and do not have a basket — kind of like a model airplane. These balloons won't be competing in the Great Texas Balloon Race, but balloon fans can catch them June 16 and 17 during the event. 

The balloons will be at different places on the morning of Saturday, June 17. Catch them at about 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m, unless otherwise noted. They will also be at the Longview Convention Complex Friday and Saturday evening. Catch them 7 a.m. to about 7 :45 a.m.  Below are the balloons, and here is where you'll find them:

Saturday

"A Lil' Guilty" and "Muffin" will be at 80 Acre Market, 12229 FM 1650, Gilmer, TX, at 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

"Lil Tex" Will be at Cavender's Boot City, 1306 W. Loop 281 in Longview, at 10 a.m.

"Euripides" will be at Broughton Community Center, 801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Longview

"Pinky" will be at Origin Bank, 3805 N. Spur 63 in Longview

"Peter Porker" will be in downtown Kilgore, 101-199 N. Commerce St. 

The Model Balloons are brought to you by sponsors: Cavender's Boot City, 80 Acre Market and Origin Bank.