HUDSON – The 37th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair (HHAA) on Feb. 6-8 is a family friendly winter festival and hot air balloon rally with a weekend packed full of activities. We are honored to have WESTconsin Credit Union returning as our corporate sponsor. 

The hot air balloons are the highlight of HHAA with the first balloon launch scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at sunrise (7:35 a.m.) There is an afternoon launch scheduled for 3 p.m. This is an optional flight if the morning flight has launched. The final launch is set for Sunday, Feb. 8 at 7:35 a.m. (All flights and inflations are weather permitting.) There are also plenty of events to enjoy throughout the HHAA weekend.

HHAA kicks off on Friday, Feb. 6, with the Torchlight Parade at 7 p.m. This parade is packed full of fun with blasts of flames from the balloon units to help warm the crowd and “Sky Walkers Return to Rock” themed parade units. Immediately following the parade, there is a fireworks display at Lakefront Park sponsored by Andersen Corporation.

The EAT•SHOP•PLAY promotion begins on Friday, Feb. 6 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. 

New this year, the Battle of the Beverages & Bites with 10 area restaurants and bars participating during the HHAA Weekend. Enjoy Beverage & Bite specials and vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. 

There are a lot of opportunities to come in out of the cold during Hot Air Affair on Saturday, Feb. 7. From 7 a.m. to noon the Masonic Temple will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast at 209 Locust St. The HHAA Marketplace and Craft Fair is open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at EP Rock School with crafts and souvenir selection. Local non-profit groups will have hot food and drinks available for purchase in the school cafeteria. 

The mugs are back! The popular thermal travel mugs have been on hiatus since 2021 but will be for sale again this year, compliments of Kwik Trip. The first 200 mugs sold will contain a coupon for a free refill of Karuba Coffee, Cappuccino or hot chocolate at any Kwik Trip Store.

HHAA also offers opportunities to have fun while you give back to local community organizations with different fundraising events on Saturday, Feb. 7. The Hudson Rotary will host their annual St. Croix River Dunk at 1 p.m. at Lakefront Park. The Hudson Boosters will hold their annual Bingo Fundraiser from 2-5 p.m. at the Village Inn in North Hudson. Hot Air Affair is hosting a Prize Drop Fundraiser for the St. Croix Valley Food Bank. Make a donation for a chance to win a cash prize and then watch the prize drop on 2 p.m. at the school. The Hudson Lions Club is having a Bean Bag Tournament on Saturday at noon at Max’s Social House. 

The Octagon House Museum at 1004 Third St. will be open for tours on Saturday. Another crowd favorite is the annual Smoosh Board Competition, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday on EP Rock school grounds. This is the wackiest winter sport with four people on the same smoosh boards. Call 715-544-7544 to register your team.

Sunday, Feb. 8 starts with a sunrise Balloon Launch at EP Rock School. There is a Sunday Breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse, 1237 Hwy. 35 N. The annual Kids Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Perch Lake is from 1-3 p.m. with mentors, equipment and giveaways for the kids.

Hot Air Affair brochures, with details on these events and more, are available at local businesses. Visit HudsonHotAirAffair.com for details and a complete event schedule or Facebook to get the latest news.

Submitted by Hot Air Affair