2 Fly Us Balloon Trailer in Kalispell 4th of July Parade
We at 2 Fly Us love the Fourth of July.
The cookouts, the family gatherings, the lake days, the flags, the fireworks, and the feeling of summer in Montana all make it a special weekend. Around the Flathead Valley, people are out enjoying the long days, celebrating with friends, and making memories.
We are celebrating too.
But when it comes to hot air ballooning, the Fourth of July weekend is one of those times when we choose to be extra cautious, especially in the afternoon and evening.
At 2 Fly Us, safety always comes first. That means protecting our passengers, our crew, our balloon, the landowners who support us, and the community around us.
Balloons and Fireworks Do Not Mix
A hot air balloon is beautiful, colorful, and peaceful, but it is also a large, slow-moving aircraft.
That matters during a holiday weekend when fireworks, parties, alcohol, and unpredictable activity can all be part of the celebration. Most people are simply out having fun and enjoying the holiday, but we also know that poor decisions can happen when people are celebrating.
We do not want to put a balloon in a situation where it could become a target for a bad decision, a firework, or anything else that creates unnecessary risk.
So during the Fourth of July weekend, we generally avoid afternoon and evening flights.
It is not because we do not love the holiday. We do.
It is because we respect what a balloon is, how visible it is, and how important it is to make conservative decisions when conditions around us are less predictable.
Two girls in basket dressed in red white and blue, preparing for 4th of July Parade.
Why afternoons and evenings are diffrent
Most of our Montana balloon flights take place at sunrise for a reason.
Early mornings are typically cooler and calmer, which is usually better for ballooning. The valley is quieter, winds are often more favorable, and there is less activity on the ground compared to later in the day.
Afternoons and evenings can be different, especially around the Fourth of July.
People are heading to parties, gathering near lakes, setting up fireworks, celebrating in backyards, and enjoying the holiday. That is all part of summer, but it also means there are more unknowns. For ballooning, unknowns matter.
A good flight is not just about whether the balloon can fly.
It is about whether the entire operation can be done safely and responsibly from launch to landing to pack-up.
We Choose the Conservative Option
One of the most important parts of being a balloon pilot is knowing when not to fly.
That is not always the exciting answer, but it is often the right one.
Our pilot, Kevin Flanagan, has been flying professionally for more than 40 years. In ballooning, experience teaches you to respect weather and timing around the flight.
Sometimes the safest decision is to wait.
Sometimes the right decision is to fly early in the morning and leave the afternoon or evening alone.
And sometimes, during a holiday weekend, the best decision is to let everyone enjoy the celebration from the ground.
Morning Flights May Still Be Possible
Fourth of July weekend does not automatically mean no ballooning at all.
When weather and conditions are safe, morning flights may still be possible. Sunrise flights are usually the best option because the air is typically cooler and calmer, and the valley has not yet become busy with the day’s activities.
Every flight is evaluated individually based on weather, wind, field conditions, landing options, and overall safety.
If you are visiting Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, or Glacier National Park over the holiday weekend and are hoping to fly, the best thing to do is call and talk with us directly.
We can let you know what may be realistic for your dates and explain how we make the go-or-no-go decision.
American Flag being skydived into the Bigfork Rodeo
We Want Everyone to Enjoy the Holiday Safely
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate.
We want people to enjoy the lakes, the cookouts, the fireworks, the family time, and the long summer evenings that make Montana feel so special.
We also want to keep our ballooning operation safe, respectful, and responsible.
That means we do not force flights into situations that do not feel right. We do not take unnecessary chances. And we do not put passengers, crew, landowners, or the balloon in a position where avoidable risk becomes part of the day.
Ballooning is supposed to feel peaceful.
It should never feel reckless.
We hope that everyone has a fantastic fourth of july celebrating the 250th anniversary of america!
If ballooning is on your bucket list, this may be the summer to cross it off.
Call 602-525-4282 to talk with us personally, or use the Book Your Ride button to start planning your Montana balloon flight.