Most hot air balloon events are held at times of the year when favorable weather conditions are more likely and in the Mesilla Valley, that mean now!

19th annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is Saturday and Sunday at the Brown Farm Field on North Camino Real. 

The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally was first launched in 1982 as part of The Whole Enchilada Fiesta. In 1988, the rally split off into a separate event, officially named the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally.

The first launch site was next to Burn Lake. It was moved to Mayfield High School in 1993, and then moved again to open areas owned by Southwest Cotton Growers on Valley Drive and Amador Avenue.

In 2005, the rally moved to its current site, historically known as Brown Farm Field, just east of El Camino Real and southeast of Armstrong Road.

The MVBR regularly features morning launches, a balloon glow, hot air balloon competitions, food vendors, and tethered rides for the public. In 2009, the 17th annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally was canceled because of economic hard times, but 20 hot air balloons showed up anyway. As many as 94 balloons have appeared at a rally.

Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally Schedule
Saturday
7 a.m.: Mayor's proclamation and official opening
7:10 a.m.: Memorial mass pi-ball (helium balloon) release by pilots "in memory of balloonists and all fun-loving souls who have left this earth." Naomi Vega sings "Amazing Grace."
7:20 a.m.: Presentation of the Stars and Stripes from the hot air balloon "Cool Beans II" as Naomi Vega sings the national anthem. Presentation of Colors by NMSU ROTC.
7:20 a.m.: Mass ascension in two waves
8:30 a.m.: Tethered rides for the public, $2 donation
3 p.m.: Afternoon fun launch
5:30 to 8 p.m.: Balloon glow

Sunday
7:30 a.m.: Mass ascension in two waves

We hope to see you there!