This footage was filmed and produced 5 November 2023.

Page, Arizona, witnessed a sky filled with dozens of hot air balloons during this year's annual Balloon Regatta. The event, which concluded yesterday, drew enthusiasts and spectators from around the world, uniting them in the fascination of these colorful giants.

For some, like Debbie Waltman, hot air balloons have been a lifelong dream. Inspired by her mother's tales, she pursued her passion with unwavering determination. "One day, a real balloon flew over our house. Then I was hooked," Waltman reminisced. Her journey began by working for experienced balloonists, gradually accumulating knowledge and experience.

"I was crewing for a guy for a few years," Waltman explained. "One day I looked at him and I said, ‘You gotta teach me how you fly this thing.’" That marked her transition from an enthusiast to one of the early female balloon pilots, and now she participates in events nationwide. This weekend, she was among the 65 pilots taking to the skies over Page.

Lynn Cormier, Page's director of community engagement, highlighted the international appeal of the Balloon Regatta, describing it as the city's most significant event. "We love it because it pulls people not only from Arizona, the West Coast, but really from all over the world."

The balloons typically launch around 7 in the morning and drift through the skies for approximately two hours, blessed with perfect flying conditions and light winds.

"Economically, it’s amazing for our little city here," said Cormier, emphasizing the event's positive impact on Page. "But overall, it doesn’t matter if you’re standing there with a camera watching one balloon or 10 balloons. It’s overwhelming at times and people just love it."

For pilots like Debbie Waltman, the joy of flying is equally matched by the delight of creating lasting memories for others. "This has brought me more joy in my life than I ever anticipated, so to be able to share that with other people, especially with people who haven’t had a chance, those are the fun parts," she expressed.

The festivities continued through Sunday, offering a range of hot air balloon-related events, including the captivating Balloon Glow held on Saturday night, ensuring that the magic of ballooning lingered in Page for a little longer.