If you haven't experienced a hot air balloon race before Fort Madison's Balloons over the Mississippi is a great place to begin. Previous years have been a showcase for balloon enthusiests and pilots from all around. If the weather permits, the event begins with an afternoon flight on Friday from C.E. Richards Rodeo park, followed by a full evening of entertainment and fun for all.
   Another launch early Saturday morning kicks off the day long event and the afternoon launch is a competition between balloonists called the Hare-'N- Hound, where balloonists attempt to reach a marked target on the ground and toss a bean bag at the target. This is much more difficult than it sounds. The pilots must work with the available winds and altitudes to navigate the balloon to the target.
   Later in the evening the balloons gather on the field, where spectators can get a closer look at the giant balloon and talk with the pilots and crews, and watch as the pilots fire up the burners and light the balloon against the evening sky. More Info Here