Prosser Balloon Rally
September 26 – 29, 2025
Prosser, Washington
Wagon Masters
Scott & Carolyn Carpenter
Gary & Irva Cooper
The trip to central Washington for the 2025 Prosser Balloon Rally took folks over I-90, US 97, WA 221, WA 14, I-82, or a few miles up the road from home. 18 RVs + Gary and Irva Cooper who arrived without motorhome and without pretend Trek. Rally attendees included: Scott & Carolyn Carpenter, Josh & Christine Letts, Lee Buckley, Jo Ruby, Mike & Lynn Ashbridge, Robert & Barbara Henderson, Kris Hecks, Dick & Nancy Harris, Duane & Kathy Klophenstein, Al & Elaine Zimmerman, Ed & Jeantte Block, Drew Plaster, Wojo & Kathleen Walczak, John & Marie Turner, Ed & Keri Pratt. We were pleased to welcome new member Drew Plaster, and were also happy to have members Gary & Rose Grimard from McLeese Lake, BC and Don and Lucy Reed from Southern California make the “trek” to attend. Special attendees were Tony & and Lynn Wright who are members of the GMC Cascaders.
The rally began with a welcome on Friday afternoon. Welcome bags included a special goblet and potholders. Robert Henderson offered inspections and several took him up on his offer. Dinner featured the famous “heavy hors d’oeuvres potluck.”
Saturday morning began bright and early for those who wanted to see the balloons launch from the Prosser airport. People gathered at about 6:45 am to observe the launch. It was really spectacular to see the balloons inflate, launch, and travel through the air. (Hats off to Ed Block and the Grimards who observed all three balloon launches on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.)
The afternoon was filled with activities including the Harvest Festival downtown with lots of vendors, Chukar Cherries, touring valley towns, or just enjoying the good weather. We had an early dinner of catered BBQ beef and chicken with the customary sides. Saturday night’s special feature was the “Night Glow” at the high school football field. A steel drum band composed of area youth performed as pre-flight entertainment. (same steel band performed in 2017 when NWTFC also attended the balloon rally.) The balloons were inflated and lit by the propane burners that heat the air for flight. It was truly a memorable event.
Sunday began with a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Then it was off to enjoy one last day in this very diverse and interesting place. The amount of hops, apples, corn, and other crops grown in the Yakima valley is amazing. Sunday’s evening meal was a potluck. This was followed by a white elephant raffle / gift exchange. Everyone went away with something memorable.
After a breakfast of goodies on Monday, Trekkers began their journeys home. For many special reasons, this was a memorable rally.