“S’mores and More, Balloons Galore!” The Hudson Hot Air Affair; So many activities in one great event! The 2022 theme was focused on getting outdoors and camping.
The event is held on the 1st full weekend of February; 2022 was it’s 33rd year! Events start on Friday and last through Sunday, however; they do have events leading up to the larger celebration. There is something for everyone from children to adults; it really is a family affair!
Friday night the torchlight parade is the place to be. The shop fronts glowing with many onlookers dressed in their best winter attire waiting for the balloon aeronauts. Each crew with family and friends engaging burners radiating an immense feeling of warmth throughout the route. Aside from the beautiful pyrotechnics, the parade offers a sense of whimsy and camaraderie. Many are dressed up in costumes and the judges stand proudly displaying “Bribes Encouraged.” Many of the crews offered up gift baskets and jokes as they passed through the route. After the parade, the crowd shifts to Buena Vista Park. Amidst the backdrop of glittering Christmas lights, children can be found playing in the snow brought alive by the fireworks display on the water.
I would highly encourage those planning to make the trip, to arrive early to the parade. Hudson is filled with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. The accommodating nature in the community is something to be experienced.
Saturday morning begins early for the pilots and the onlookers. Weather is a huge factor when it comes to ballooning. If it is too windy, the balloons can’t fly. The ideal flight conditions are light winds less than 6 mph, good visibility, and sunshine or high cloud ceilings.
On their website, Hudson Hot Air Affair a “real time” flight information tracker can be found. This is wonderful for keeping up-to-date balloon flight information and all scheduled events.
Later that morning, I made my way to Willow River State Park. There are two ways to enter the park. One is about a mile hike on a snowy trail and the other is a steeper descent. I chose the steeper descent. If you decide to take this route, it is not one for the faint of heart. Highly encouraged are trail crampons and trekking poles for a safer trip. As you make your way down the trail, you can hear the rumble of the water plunging down the river beneath the ice. There is a calling from local birds and a rustle along the trail from a few deer making their way to a warm cozy spot. Along the water is a great place to sit, and a selfie station to commemorate your time there. After a photo opportunity, I crossed the bridge over the river. I made my way to the lookout. I may have underestimated my cardiovascular system and the strength in my legs. I made the climb to what felt like a couple 100 stairs. It was worth it! The view from the top looking down at the water and the natural landscape was breathtaking!
I decided to visit one of Hudson’s historic sites, the Octagon House Museum. The house is open for guided tours from May through October. This style of house was popular in America around the mid 1800s offering increased light and air movement. It was wonderful to be able to step back in time and learn a little bit about Hudson’s history.
I attended the first annual St. Croix River Dunk to raise funds for St. Croix Valley nonprofits and clubs. Many locals and out-of-towners displaying their best costumes from young and old jumped into the ice water. Some even put on acrobatic displays and special moves. What a wonderful way to support the community through their fundraiser.
I am sad to say that I did not make it to the smush-board competition coordinated by John Kanutzen and the Women from Milwaukee. However, I heard it was a wonderful event “Where people could win prizes worth well under $10.” In past competitions, many would race in costumes for good rival competition.
After all the excitement of the day, nourishment was needed. I highly recommend Urban Olive & Vine. They have one of the best lavender and matcha lattes along with tomato basil soup and their hot salami sandwich with avocado. If utter bliss was a sandwich, it would have been that one.
Unfortunately, due to a windy day, the balloons were not able to take off. This did not stop the fun though. At EP Rock School, a craft fair was hosted for the weekend as well as ice carving, kite flying and concessions. That evening after nightfall, the balloon crews with baskets and burners on the ready; waited to meet with spectators. The announcer commemorated anniversaries and birthdays yelling “Light them up.” This thrilling sensation of music, heat, fire and light is one of the most spectacular offerings of the Hot Air Affair, commonly known as “Field of Fire.” Adults and children circled around baskets of their choice to take pictures with pilots.
One group even provided marshmallows on hockey sticks for roasting during their photo opportunities. It is really something special to see the eyes of children and adults of all ages light up.
A huge thank you to the accommodations at the “Hideaway from the Twin Cities.” Steve was wonderful and accommodating. The daily breakfast was a much-appreciated touch of bacon, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and coffee. The house is trimmed out in woodland fashion with beautiful log framed beds and great spots to sit and look at the wildlife.
The Hudson Hot Air Affair is a true testament of time. Each year creating exciting events and celebrating traditions. There is truly something for everyone. From children to adults, it really is a family affair!
By Briana King