Three Yuma businesses organized the first Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival in 1991. The first year attracted 22 balloons and then  30 balloons in 1992.  Norwest Bank became a corporate sponsor in 1993 and in 1994 added the Norwest Desert Glow, now the AEA Federal Credit Union Desert Glow, a spectacular tethered balloon evening event. The festival is an invitational, and balloonists have traveled from as far as England to fly.

The CRC Balloon Festival Committee is a volunteer group of about 20 people who work on the event most of the year. The 2009 committee is chaired by Nate Schug. The festival is operated by Caballeros de Yuma. Proceeds from the event have been donated to various community groups since 1991

BALLOON FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION:

Shara Merten,

Caballeros de Yuma:

(928) 343-1715 

or email: info@caballeros.org

4:00 pm

Gates Open

Food, Drinks and Vendors