HUDSON – The 37th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair (HHAA) is returning to its longtime venue at EP Rock School with a fun Star Wars theme of “Sky Walkers Return to Rock.” The hot air balloon rally and winter festival is presented by WESTconsin Credit Union and supported by hundreds of sponsors, partners and volunteers.

They have a lineup of pre-events to warm up for this year’s festival. Join them for a countdown event at Hudson Grocery Co-op, 1701 Ward Ave. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 to learn about Hudson Hot Air Affair. They’ll have a prize drawing and kids’ activities. Also, tickets will be available for the St. Croix Valley Food Bank Prize Drop Fundraiser.

A returning favorite from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 is the Breakfast Crafts for Kids at Dick’s Bar & Grill at 111 Walnut St. Come have breakfast and enjoy an art event for kids.

The YMCA Camp St. Croix will host Croix by Candlelight at the Camp, 532 County Road F, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. A fun-filled family event with activities, campfires and chili! Enjoy a hike, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing if there is enough snow. 

County Market/Jerry’s Foods at 2310 Crest View Drive, will host a countdown event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Celebrate the “Sky Walkers Return to Rock” theme with store specials, food tastings and more. 

A tasty new event is the Hotdish Cooking Contest hosted by Hudson Area Senior Center from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Hudson YMCA, 2211 Vine St. 

From 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, there is a HHAA Canvas Party Painting Class with Audrey Martin, featuring a painting of “Starry Night” at Pedro’s Pizza Lounge, 212 Walnut St. The cost is $50 for class and supplies. Must preregister! See hudsonhotairaffair.com/events for details. 

Do you want to be support HHAA? They still have a couple balloons looking for sponsors. Sponsorships are open to business, family and/or individuals. Sponsors receive a ride for one person in the first launch at HHAA, (weather permitting) the opportunity to help crew, chase, ride in the Torchlight Parade and help at the Moon Glow, as well as recognition in HHAA Marketing. The sponsor fee is $495. Contact HHAA at HotAirAffair@gmail.com for more information.

Details on these pre-events and other Hot Air Affair activates can be found at HudsonHotAirAffair.com/events or check for event listings on Facebook. 

Submitted by Hudson Hot Air Affair