Where is Salina & when is the rally?
In 2007 the small town of Salina, Utah hosted the first Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival. During the initial years the date moved around a little but it has now settled on the 3rd weekend of June each year.
Salina is a small town, population less than 3000, in central Utah. The town’s name was inspired by the abundant salt deposits in the area, Just to the north of town is the Redmond salt mine where ancient seabed salt is mined from underground. You will notice Redmond Real Salt on the table in every restaurant in the area.
Eyes to the Sky Specifics
The rally is a small but manageable 25 balloons. The launch site has changed a few times over the years. Currently launches take place all three days from the North Sevier Middle School at 6AM.
A balloon glow is also scheduled for Saturday on Center and Main. This area is blocked off for the weekend and filled with vendors as well as free concerts.
There are no balloon rides for sale. Sponsors and crew are the only passengers
What makes this area special for flying?
Pilots enjoy flying this area for the plentiful and easily accessed landing areas and especially for the nearby Redmond Lake. The launches can be windy at times but the farther north you fly in the valley the slower the winds get.
There are very few ‘red zones’ on the map. As with many small rallies there is a pilot wait list to attend.
Photography Tip
Get over to Redmond Lake, the wind usually takes the balloons that way and it offers reflection opportunities.
What else is there to do in the area?
Outdoor stuff
- Downtown Salina (Central and Main) is blocked off for a variety of vendors including food, rides for kids and free music.
- The surrounding National Forest has plenty of hiking and off-roading trails.
- Fishing and boating at Fishlake National Forest <20 miles away
Dining
- The Hot Spot is the spot for ice cream and burgers
- Mom’s Cafe is one of the few breakfast options in town
- Little Wonder in nearby Richfield is another hole-in-the-wall spot for good food.
Lodging
There are a couple of hotels in town, the Super 8 usually hosts the pilots and is pet friendly. There is also a campground in town, the Butch Cassidy Campground which fills up quickly and a national forest campground to the west of town, Maple Grove.
