Amarillo Invitational Balloon Rally
"Pirates of the Canyon"

www.piratesofthecanyon.com
www.balloonamarillo.org

In 2006, Chris Jones of Amarillo, Texas re-started the Amarillo Invitational Balloon Rally. Most of the activity was at the Tradwinds Airport in the South East corner of town. The hi-lite of the event was the Sunday morning flight from Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Flying in this rough terrain is not easy. The winds have to be right, or you will end up in areas with absolutely no access. You have to pay attention to details like having enough water for everyone on board, because if your crew can't get to you quickly, it is high-dry desert, and you can dehydrate quickly. Chris Jones organized a great flight, with all of the safety precautions needed. I look forward to going to this festival for years to come.
We flew Fred B. Rabbit Hot Air Balloon at this rally to honor Rusty & BK Elwell who flew in Amarillo for years and were the original owners of Fred B Rabbit. Rusty and BK both passed away the summer of 2006.
In 2007, the rally continued with 21 balloons, much more publicity, and a lot more spectators.
Since then, it is grown into a very popular balloon festival.

2012

2012 Inflation in the Canyon

High Wind Landing

2011

2010

2007

Wings of Wind right after takeoff

Several Balloons down in the canyon

Boxed back to where we took off

Starting to head out of the canyon, towards Amarillo

Saturday October 27
Several balloons flew across town Saturday evening

Friday October 26
12 balloons flew from the canyon Friday Morning

2006

Quadnickel and Fred B Rabbit right after take off

The rest of the pictures taken by Debbie Sproul from Fred B Rabbit/

Joe Jones / Quadnickel as the sun peaks over the cliff

Rick Schmidt / Snaggletooth lifting off

Once you leave the Canyon, there is nothing for miles

Shawdow of Fred B Rabbit, shortly before landing