Since 2003, the Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta has become a world-class and citywide jewel of an event right in the heart of the fall season.

Financially backed almost entirely by business sponsorship, the entire town comes alive when dozens of air balloon pilots pour into the area, ready to take to the skies. This year, the event will take place from Friday Nov. 3, to Sunday Nov. 5.

Balloons will launch from the Page Lake Powell National Golf Course across Page Lumber at roughly 7:15 a.m. on all three days. Spectators can get a stellar vantage point of the initial takeoffs near South Navajo Drive around the crest of the plateau as it coincides with the top of the golf course. The Rimview Trail can also give access to this area, as well as a few other prime spots of viewership on the northwest side of town as the balloons fly across the area.

The allure of the Regatta has reached a worldwide level among enthusiasts and pilots as they have traveled from all over the world in recent years to participate. Sixty-three pilots, their crews and balloons will be arriving in town this week to fly, with one pilot hailing from England.

Mid to late fall is also a meteorological high point for flying balloons in northern Arizona. Lulls in weather tend to accompany the high-pressure systems that move through the area and create ideal conditions for balloon flying. The mildest of breezes, high visibility and no precipitation make for smooth air sailing.

While it is possible to potentially snag a seat on one of the 63 balloons, event coordinators do not explicitly endorse it. If you’re really looking to fly, Regatta Air Boss Bryan Hill says your best chance is to show up early to help set up the balloons before takeoff.

 “The magic of ballooning is it is a group sport. Pilots show up and they need help to put these in the air,” Hill said. “We try to assign everyone that comes out and is interested in participating. If you come, you might find a pair of gloves in your hand helping to set up and learn about a hot air balloon. Sometimes you may even have an opportunity to get lucky if there’s a spot open in the basket.”

Hill said Friday would be the most likely to day for volunteers to find an opportunity to fly. Note that all scheduled flights are weather-dependent as well.

For those of us without the cash to afford our own balloon, or the stomach to float thousands of feet high in a basket, a just as impressive show occurs during the Saturday night Glow event where many of the balloons will inflate and line up the main drag of Lake Powell Boulevard.

The Glow also coincides with the Chamber-sponsored Regatta Vendor Fair – the largest event of its kind in Page.

According to The Chamber at Lake Powell Executive Director Judy Franz, all available 100 vendor spots this year have been filled. Many of the vendors are from out of town and will be offering a plethora of items and services for sale.

 “I think both locals and tourists will be pleasantly surprised to see the variety and quality of what will be there,” she said.

Pony rides, a mechanical bull, inflatable castles and other activities will be available for kids. Into the Grand’s beer garden is also returning alongside local live music from DJ Serventi, J.C. Hackett, Cliff Echoes and Level Rising.

The fair will take place in the parking lot throughout Block 17, which is located at the intersection of Lake Powell Boulevard and Elm Street. Vendor booths will wrap all the way back toward the Dam Bar and Grill and the Family Bargain Center on the opposite end.

The Vendor Fair will open at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and run until roughly 10 p.m. Saturday will kick off earlier at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.