The 28th annual Southwest Iowa Balloon Races are this weekend in Creston. More than 50 balloonists will be taking part, making it Iowa’s second-largest balloon event behind only Indianola. Roger Lanning, chair of the hot air balloon committee, says several activities will be held Saturday, including the first race of the weekend. Balloon racing events will start around 6 AM while there’s a 5-K foot race starting at 8 AM. The big Creston parade begins at 10:30. Staying with the racing theme, Lanning says there will be bathtub races at the airport Saturday afternoon. There are four-person teams, three pushing the bathtub full of water and a fourth in the tub. The real tubs are mounted on wheels. Spectators can also buy water balloons to throw at the tub racers. Creston Chamber of Commerce executive director Ellen Gerharz says a model airplane demonstration is also planned, along with a chance to see real planes up close.There also will be a pet show at the airport Saturday afternoon and the evening “night glow” at dusk. A classic and antique tractor pull will be held at McKinley Park at noon. The balloons will also race Sunday morning.
