The World's Largest Hot Air Balloon

What's pink, weighs 1,170 pounds, has sandals that are a size 98 EEEEE and is taller than the Statue of Liberty? I'll give you a hint, it's the World's Largest Hot Air Balloon and its ears are as large as a normal sized hot air balloon. Think pink and large ears...did I mention it keeps going, and going and going? Any guesses? Okay, I'll let you in on the secret...how about...the HOT HARE a.k.a. The Energizer Bunny Hot Air Balloon! Isn't it cute?
Would it surprise you to know that we woke up at 2:30 in the morning, to drive 2 1/2 hours south just to observe this specialty balloon take off as part of the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Festival in Tuscaloosa, Alabama? After all, the Hot Hare is only scheduled to appear at three locations across the US this year, and Facebook Fans chose this specific festival to become the #2 spot? How could we resist? We really couldn't, ya know!

We arrived by 5:30 a.m. just in time for the Sunrise. The balloons were delayed for a wee bit due to the wind or something, but when they started taking off, it was really something. The event really got fun once we were permitted to go out on the field and get a close up view of all the action.

The Energizer Bunny Hot Hare Balloon wasn't the only specially shaped balloon to make an appearance. There was another crowd pleaser. Check out another one of our favorites, this huge can of my husband's favorite beverage, Pepsi!




There were about 30 balloons that lifted off and though we enjoyed each of them, the Energizer Bunny Hot Hare was certainly the draw for us.


And who could resist joining the fun and wearing the bunny ears?
This was our first hot air balloon festival as a family but it certainly won't be the last. We'll keep going and going and going! Definitely a thumbs up from the Traveling Praters'!