There is nothing quite like floating on the breeze 2,000ft up in the air. Hot air ballooning is a majestic experience, allowing you to peacefully view the world from a whole new perspective.

But did you know that hot air ballooning is also a competitive endeavor? Meet the Freedom Hot Air Balloon Team!

Collin McClung and his wife Brianna are owners, pilots, and navigators for the team. They are recent East Texas locals who made the move from Albuquerque, which happens to be a mecca for hot air ballooning. The couple recently fell in love with the balloonist culture that resides in Longview, which holds the Great Texas Balloon Race each year, along with the McClung’s main target, the BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.

Flying hot air balloon is very similar to sail boating. It’s all about navigating where the wind is taking you, and the Freedom team are pros! They gave us the opportunity to check out all of the preparation work that goes into having a proper, quick, and safe flight.

You can catch the Freedom Hot Air Balloon Team and many other balloon professional pilots and enthusiasts at the Great Texas Balloon Race happening this weekend!

Tickets for all events are on sale now right here! Tickets are $30 for the whole weekend, $20 for Saturday only, & $15 for Friday only. Don’t miss out on this amazing festival filled with hot air balloons and family fun!

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Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

The Weekend Preview - Tons of fun and local events happening this weekend!

Live Music Lineup - Awesome live shows happening in June!

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