Hot Air Balloons Visit Schools To Celebrate Balloon Fest

By Elijah Aston

Hot air balloon crews brought their balloons to schools in Lake Havasu City Thursday morning. They did this as a way to celebrate the kick off of the 2026 annual Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

Students viewed the balloons inflate and take off, with many getting to see the logistics of a hot air balloon up close.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

Judy Nakamura, pilot of the hot air balloon “Spirits in the Sky” was at Lake Havasu High School to showcase her balloon along with a few others.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

When asked about her balloon, Nakamura said, “I’ve been flying for 20 years. This Balloon is called ‘Spirits in the Sky.’ This is a home made balloon that depicts the roadrunner and coyote.”

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

The hot air balloon is predominantly white with red details and a roadrunner and coyote shown on it. The balloon was built by Nakamura and her friends.

“We built this when we got bored during COVID. And so myself and two of my friends had a pattern and we built it. It is a replica of one of the first balloons that flew in Albuquerque,” she said.

“Spirits in the Sky” will be at the Balloon Festival. The Balloon Festival began on Thursday, and will conclude on Sunday.