Hudson Hot Air Affair will be here soon, and the weekend is packed full of hot air balloons and events during Hudson’s annual balloon rally and winter festival. Join us Feb. 6-8 as we celebrate the “Sky Walkers Return to Rock” theme at EP Rock School and around the Hudson community.

The hot air balloon launches at EP Rock School are scheduled for 7:35 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 and 8. There is also a Saturday launch planned at 3 p.m. Remember all the flights are weather permitting. Also, on Saturday evening the popular Moon Glow/Field of Fire is set for 6:15-7:15 p.m.

While everyone wants the balloons to fly, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so with the help of several community partners, a variety of activities and events will be offered during the weekend. 

Enjoy the Friday, Feb. 6 Torchlight Parade at 7 p.m with a fireworks display following the parade. The Eat•Shop•Play promotion begins on Friday and runs through the weekend. Hudson area businesses will offer special promotions and winter sales, and you can play the Scavenger Hunt game to win prizes.

Another event starting on Friday and running the weekend is the Battle of the Beverages & Bites. Ten area restaurants and bars will be participating with Beverages & Bites specials. Vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. Also on Friday, Dick’s Bar & Grill will host a pre-parade party from 4:30-6 p.m. and Ziggy’s/Max’s Social House will host an after the fireworks party.

Saturday, Feb. 7 is packed full of fun, starting with the Mason’s Pancake Breakfast, from 7 a.m. to noon. The Octagon House Museum will be open for tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Angel’s Pet World will host a pet adoption event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At EP Rock School the Marketplace and Craft Fair will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the Saturday balloon events on the EP Rock School grounds, there is the Smoosh Board Competition at 1 p.m. and the Prize Drop Fundraiser for the St Croix Valley Food Bank at 2 p.m.

Saturday afternoon events include the Lions Club’s Bean Bag Tournament, starting at noon; the Rotary’s St. Croix River Dunk at Lakefront Park begins at noon; and the Booster’s Bingo from 2-5 p.m.

The fun continues with Sunday Funday! After the morning balloon launch, there is a Sunday breakfast at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse, and a free kids’ ice fishing event from 1-3 p.m. on Perch Lake, with equipment, mentors and gifts for all the kids.

Hudson Hot Air Affair is grateful for the many community partners, volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible; and special thank you to the corporate sponsor WESTconsin Credit Union.

Find details about the events, the balloons, the sponsors and more at HudsonHotAirAffair.com or visit us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest announcements and details.

Submitted by Hot Air Affair