After launching the balloons, the crew then needed to chase the balloons once they landed. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray’s skies lit up Sept. 19-21 as the annual Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza filled Cottonwood High School with color and excitement. At sunrise, families gathered to watch crews inflate dozens of balloons before they launched in unison, creating a breathtaking display. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed food vendors, bounce houses and live music, capped by the evening “balloon glow,” when illuminated balloons dazzled the crowd. Murray City Chamber president Kathy White estimated that nearly 8,000 people attended the three-day event, making it one of the city’s largest community gatherings in recent memory.

Around 10 hot air balloons launched each morning. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Thousands watch the balloons “glow” up. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)