In just a few short months, the South’s oldest hot air balloon festival will once again begin in Helen, Georgia, and this is one festival you do not want to miss. What better way to welcome the summer season by watching more than 30 hot air balloons ascend into the sky for the country’s only long distance race? Answer: Nothing. Take a look why this one of a kind festival cannot be found anywhere but in Georgia.

As one of the oldest balloon events in the South, the Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race has been running now for more than 40 years.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
This year the race runs from June 1, 2017 to June 3, 2017 and is sure to be one of the best years yet.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
One of the best weekend events for the whole family, gather together to watch more than 30 hot air balloons take to the sky for a true visual spectacular.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
The race starts in Alpine Helen, and ends at the finish line, which is I-95 anywhere between Maine and Miami.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
The shortest distance to the finish line clocks in at 225 miles, and normally takes two days for racers to complete.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race

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Although the race has been finished in a day before, it doesn’t happen often.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
Anywhere from six to ten balloons will compete in the race, while the rest of the balloonists stay local for a weekend of fun and flying.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
Guests even have the option to reserve their own champagne balloon flights for a one-of-a-kind experience in the sky.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
If you want to participate in the fun, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to help with the festival that are open to the public…
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
…like helping to inflate the balloons or assistance as the chase crew.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
But if really you just want to sit back, relax, and watch the fun from the ground, you have all weekend to enjoy the festival.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race

Have you ever been to the Helen-Atlantic Balloon Race? Share with us your experiences! Or if you’re looking for more unique things to do in Helen, Georgia, then check out You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny Georgia Town.

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