The Teton Valley Balloon Rally (TVBR) kicks off a summer of events in Teton Valley.
History
TVBR will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021. The event has greatly changed over the years. The early years hosted a much larger number of balloons than present day. The pilots and crew were invited to the Augie Busch, of Anheuser-Busch, airport hanger and Anheuser-Busch was a major sponsor of the event. More than a generation of families have fond childhood memories of the rally.
Our first two years at the event, 2002 and 2003, were as crew for a fellow pilot. By this time the rally was a much smaller event than years past. In 2004 we attended as pilots. The Driggs Chamber of Commerce organized the event through 2011. In 2012, the Chamber informed the registered pilots that the event that year was cancelled. Six of the registered pilots showed their commitment to the event and the community by making the decision to come anyway.
With six pilots coming, three locals decided to take up the responsibility of putting on the rally. They formed the Teton Valley Balloon Rally (TVBR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The organization is committed to keeping the magic of ballooning alive in Teton Valley as well as providing educational programs for elementary schools and a scholarship fund to send one student to BFA summer balloon camp each year.
Looking forward
The organizers are always looking to the future and have a preview in the following video.
Where & When
The rally takes place in Driggs, Idaho on the western side of the Teton Mountains. It always takes place for 4 days inclusive of July 4th. It may include the weekend before or after the 4th depending on what day of the week the holiday falls on.
Launches take place every morning at the county Fairgrounds.
How many balloons?
The current size of the rally is about 12 balloons. This is mostly limited by the availability of sponsors. Attending the rally is by invitation only.
After many years of failed attempts we all learned that balloon glows don’t work in the valley. The wind will slow down just enough to make you think it will work and then it will pick back up as the sun sets. Candlestick events have occurred over the years but afternoon thunderstorms have discouraged those as well.
What makes it special or unique?
Weather is an important factor at all balloon events. July in Teton Valley can range from highs near the 90 Fahrenheit to snow. As Forrest Gump says, it’s “… like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
As mentioned above, the event is a non-profit and has the scholarship fund for Junior Balloon Camp. Scholarship applicants need to volunteer at the event as well as write an essay. Each applicant is assigned to a pilot for the entire event and that pilot will provide feedback to the TVBR board.
Photography Tips
The Tetons create a great backdrop for this event. However since the launches take place at dawn, you will be forced to shoot into the sun.
Utilize the western style character of the area to enhance your balloon photographs.
What to do in the area?
So much to do! If you love to be outside then this is the place for you. The area depends on tourism which means there is plenty of things to do and see.
Places
- Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Targhee – tram to the top of the mountain, mountain bike rentals
- Jackson Hole – galleries and restaurants
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
Activities
- Hiking – the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho and the National Parks in Wyoming
- Biking – mountain and street on various trails including the Rail-Trail
- Boating – floating the Teton River, white water rafting the Snake River, or power boating on Jackson Lake
- Fishing
Entertainment
Movies
Music
- Music on Main which provides free concerts every Thursday night June-August.
- Targhee Fest, a three day music festival.
Dining
A variety of great restaurants can be found in the valley. A few of our favorites which are also all dog friendly include:
- Provisions – breakfast and lunch
- Pampanos – breakfast and lunch
- Teton Thai – lunch and dinner
- The Royal Wolf – lunch and dinner (open late)
- Yeti’s Post – coffee and donuts
Spectator Information
This is a family and pet friendly event. Besides the balloon launches, there may be a tethered balloon providing short tether rides on the launch field. A walk-in balloon may also be inflated to allow people to walk inside a retired balloon to get a first hand view of the size and the internal workings.
Dry camping on the field is available by reservation.
Parking passes are available for purchase before the event.
The rally is frequently needing volunteers for those wanting to participate. More information about passes and camping reservations are available on the rally’s website.
Contact Information
https://www.tetonvalleyballoonrally.com
Beautiful!! WELL DONE!
Thank you Ira. And thank you for all your hard work on the rally for so many years.