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Dates Set for 2011 Great Texas Balloon Race

 July 29-31, 2011 will be the “Balloon Race Weekend” this year in East Texas, race organizers have announced. East Texas Regional Airport will once again be the host venue, marking 34 years of hot air balloon racing in Longview.

While July is a very hot time of year to have an outdoor festival, it has, for years, been the month for the Great Texas Balloon Race. After exhaustive research, July was determined to be the month with the very lowest risk of weather related issues. But organizers also have to be aware of other balloon events and competitions all over the world. According to Dr. Bill Bussey, the Race founder, “The Great Texas Balloon Race has, from the early days, been a world class event for balloon pilots. So it’s always been important that we position our event in consideration of other big balloon events.”

Known as the longest running hot-air balloon event in Texas, The Great Texas Balloon Race began in 1978. From its original venue at Longview Mall, the race moved to the former Stroh’s Brewery site (1985-1986) and then to its current home at the East Texas Regional Airport.

The Great Texas Balloon Race board of directors would like to thank area citizens for supporting the event. “That support insures our success and was one of the major contributing factors to the Balloon Race being named the host venue for the International Balloon Federation’s U. S. Championships for 2012-2014” according to board chairman Richard Lazarus. 

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