Perfect weather greets visitors to Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic in Windsor

The sunrise was beautiful, the winds were calm and the weather was warm as hot air balloons lifted off for the “dawn patrol” at this year’s Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic at Keiser Park in Windsor.

There was “no fog today, so it should be a good day,” pilot David Wakefield said before lifting off.

After the balloons returned from their morning sorties, a large contingent of festival goers from as far away as India and Ireland lined up for as long as an hour to take rides in three tethered balloons.

Saturday’s festivities were part of the 25th running of the annual festival, which continues Sunday.

Gates Sunday open at 4:30 a.m., with the dawn patrol launching at 5. The main launch is set for 6:30 a.m.

Traffic approaching Keiser Park was thick Saturday morning, so be sure to arrive early.

Tickets cost $10 at the gate for children 13 and older, and are $5 for children ages 6 to 12.

For more information, visit www.schabc.org.