March 5-7, 2010

For more information:
info@winthropwashington.com
1-888-463-8469

Photos from 2008 Balloon Roundup


From March 6 through 8, 2009, the skies of Winthrop and the Methow Valley brightened with the brilliant colors of over a dozen hot air balloons in the Winthrop Balloon Roundup.Photo by Dennis O'Callaghan

Next year, the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce will again partner with a number of Methow Valley organizations and businesses to bring you a three-day festival, abounding with opportunities and activities for kids, families, photographers, connoisseurs of jazz, wine, beer, coffee and good food, and of course, all who are fascinated by hot air balloons.

 

Meet the balloon pilots and crews * See and photograph the balloons up close * View and participate in photo shows * Enjoy two evenings of jazz * Join naturalists on snowshoes * Participate in a kids' art activity * Join in the spectacle of a nighttime balloon glow

 

(All balloon activities are weather-dependant.)

 

For those wishing to go aloft, balloon rides are available by reservation (please contact Morning Glory Balloon Tours at 509-997-1700.)

 

The March 6-8, 2009 events are listed below but please check back with us  at a later date for a list of similar weekend events for 2010.

SNOWSHOEING

During the day, photographers are invited to join naturalist Eric Burr at the Mazama Ski Shop for guided snowshoe treks. Call Eric at 509-996-3101 or Mazama Ski Shop 509-996-3744. Each participant will need a $5.00 MVSTA snowshoe trail pass. Donations to Methow Conservancy or MVSTA are gratefully accepted.

 

PHOTOGRAPHIC SHOW

The Winthrop Gallery invites you to a special photographic show, "The Colors and Shapes of the Methow Sky", curated by Michael Caldwell, and featuring works by local photographers:

 

Pearl Cherrington

Teri Pieper

Gary Harper

Sally Ranzau

Yuko Ishii

Ken Smith

Mary Kiesau

Bob Spiwak

Dennis O'Callaghan

Marcy Stamper

Wendy Waichler

 

Friday, March 6

7:00 a.m. PST at the Winthrop Inn (Hwy 20 just south of Winthrop ): Hot air balloons will inflate and launch.

 

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lost River Winery offers complimentary wine tasting.

 

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Winthrop Gallery: Artist reception.

 

Friday evening at the Twisp River Pub: Nancy Zahn and the Glenn Isaacson Quartet perform.

 


Saturday, March 7

7:00 a.m. PST at the Winthrop Inn: Balloon inflation and launching with continental breakfast, T-shirts and souvenirs by The Valley Hub, Winthrop Red Apple Market, Blue Star Coffee Roasters and the Winthrop Chamber.

 

Twelve to fifteen balloons will participate in a target competition over the valley floor.

  photo by Dennis O'Callaghan

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by Blue Star Coffee Roasters roasting plant and coffee bar with your 2 for 1 coffee drink coupon from the Saturday morning balloon launching! Located just south of Twisp at HWY 20 and Twisp Airport Road .

 

9:00 a.m. at the Winthrop Barn: the MVSTA Winter Triathlon begins.

 

11:00 a.m. Nature of Winter Snowshoe Tour from the Mazama Store and from Sun Mountain Lodge. Snowshoe with a local naturalist and learn about winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow and more.

 

For a full description and important information please visit: Call MVSTA at 996-3287 or email events@mvsta.com for more information.

 

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lost River Winery offers complimentary wine tasting.

 

3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Winthrop: Methow Arts will host a balloon inspired hands-on art project for kids of all ages.  Come join Methow Arts at the Balloon Roundup and make your own balloon art!  We will be crafting beautiful, glowing balloon lanterns to set in your window or hang on a hook.  Get inspired by the enormous hot air balloons outside and come inside to make your own colorful glowing lantern.  With only balloons, tissue and glue you can create a magical lantern to remind you of the gentle giants that float in the sky.  All ages are welcome (including adults) and parent supervision is requested.  Please come join us downtown at 130 Riverside Ave. (across from the Daily Business)! $5 suggested donation per project.

6:00 p.m. in downtown Winthrop : Nighttime Balloon Glow - several hot air balloons will light up the night sky as they inflate and glow like enormous lanterns. Come examine the balloons up close.

 

7:00 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn: No host bar featuring wine*beer*coffee*hors d'oeuvres*deserts with Nancy Zahn and the Glenn Isaacson Quartet. Methow Conservancy presents a slide show of visiting photographers' images between sets, around 8:00 p.m. Photographers are invited to come share portfolios. $5.00 cover. Click here for the instructions if you are interested in participating.

 

Food and drink are offered by Twisp River Pub, Lost River Winery, Boulder Creek Deli, Rocking Horse Bakery, and Blue Star Coffee Roasters.

 

Sunday, March 8

8:00 a.m. DST at the Winthrop Inn: The final Roundup : Balloon inflation and launching with continental breakfast, T-shirts and souvenirs for a modest price.


PLEASE HELP US THANK AND SUPPORT ALL OUR WINTHROP BALLOON ROUNDUP SPONSORS & PARTNERS:

 

   
 

 

Photo by Dennis O'Callaghan



 
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