Small Delay, But Today is the Day for Balloon Launch

Nick "YoshiYama" Yamashita has a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southern Utah University, teaches Martial Arts as a 3rd Degree American Kenpo Black Belt, a Professional Photographer & Artist, with publications involving the genres of Poetry, Short Stories, Thesis and Papers on Criminology/Criminal Justice/Ethical Issues and more. He has worked in Juvenile Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice fields with experience as well as Forensic Science experience. Nick resides in Mesquite, Nevada.

Mesquite, NV –

UPDATE, SUNDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 7:55 PM – The last launch of the 2022 Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival has happened.

UPDATE, SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 6:00 PM – Night Glow started on time.

UPDATE, SATURDAY JANUARY 29TH @ 8:30 AM – Balloons are inflated and taking off! Enjoy the view!

UPDATE, SATURDAY JANUARY 29th @ 7:40 PM – A.M. Launch delayed, but happening! Set-ups and prepping taking place.

UPDATE: Saturday, January 29th at @7:30 pm, the balloons are still sitting inside trailers as the pilots and event staff coordinators are still waiting for better winds. Launch uncertain.

UPDATE: Friday, January 28th, 5:20 pm – The P.M. Launch is on schedule and is going to happen! The Night Glow and Candlestick Show will happen at 6:00 pm.

UPDATE: Friday, January 28th, 9:00 am- The A.M. Launch was canceled due to high winds. The event staff and balloon pilots will reevaluate around 5:00 pm and see if the Night Glow and Candlestick Show Launch will proceed as planned.

Original Article:

At approximately 7:40 am, the Virgin River Times received the news, that the balloon A.M. launch scheduled at 7:30 am was delayed, but the balloon pilots and crews are now set up. The launch will happen in approximately 30 minutes.

It was reported that there was a delay to allow for some unexpected gusts of wind to settle down and to make sure to go over all the safety protocols for the launch as the winds in Southern Nevada are incalculable. However, our photographer, Jason Andrus, reported they are setting up and prepping for the launches. Our friends who are balloon pilots also have reported the winds have changed to favorable and they will take flight.

“The Desert Drifter” was lit up Friday night for the Night Glow and Candlestick Show. (Photo courtesy of Kylee Reeder)

This is good news as the A.M. Launch yesterday was canceled due to the winds being too unpredictable, not so much for flight but for landing. Then last night, the Night Glow and Candlestick Show were delayed too, but it also happened as the balloon partygoers got to witness the magic of the “hot air”. The Night Glow tonight is expected to take place and is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. One more A.M. launch is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday January 30th at 7:30 pm. All events are at the Oasis Resort Parking Lot across from the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino located at 950 W. Mesquite Blvd.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2022

*7:30 A.M MORNING LAUNCH – Free Admission, All ages- Oasis Resort Parking Lot (Across from CasaBlanca Resort and Casino)

Champagne Tasting in Skydome lounge, free admission, 21+ only 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 PM

*6:00- 7:00 P. M- NIGHT GLOW- CANDLESTICK SHOW-Free Admission, All Ages (CasaBlanca Resort and Casino- Southwest parking lot under resort video marquee sign)

*Balloon Launch time is approximate and dependent on weather conditions