Dozens of colorful hot air balloons will be floating over south central Iowa during the next eight days. The National Balloon Classic opens today in Indianola bringing in nearly one hundred big balloons and many thousands of spectators.Gerald Knoll is executive director of the festival. He says there will be at least 90 balloon pilots competing in this year’s classic, which will make it one of the biggest ballooning events held in Indianola. He says there are traditional-shaped balloons and many unusual creations in fabric.While thousands of people will attend the Classic to see the balloons fly overhead, Knoll says some folks will be climbing into the sturdy baskets for rides which are both peaceful and thrilling.Rides run about 150-dollars per person. Events begin tonight at five o’clock and then flights are scheduled to run daily at 6:30 a-m and 7 p-m through August 5th. For more information, call 800 FLY-IOWA.