Hot air ballooning has a long and "colorful"  history, both in America and in other countries.  The Montgolfier brothers from France are considered the first hot air balloonists. They began to fly balloons in France in 1783,  when Benjamin Franklin was the US ambassador to France. They first sent up animals that returned safely to earth.  The first manned flight was in November 1783.

Hot air balloon have been used in several wars over the centuries, most often for  reconnaissance.

Hot air balloon flights are described as "peaceful", "floating" and other wonder words.  Because the balloon is moving with  the wind, there is little sensation of movement and little wind.  Even in winter, it is not usually exceptionally cold up in the balloon.

Fantasy Balloons  303-478-3531

Sunflower Photo Caption

Freedom was built  by the Balloon Works in North Carolina.  The company is now called "Firefly Balloons"  This balloon  holds 90, 000 cubic feet of air, and carries a pilot and 3-4 passengers.  The envelope (the fabric part) weighs approximately 200 lbs, and the basket, when fully fueled but with no passengers, weighs about 500 lbs

..Liberty

Built in May 2002 by Firefly Balloons.  This balloon is 210,000 cubic feet and can carry a pilot and up to eight passengers.