LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than a dozen colorful hot air balloons filled the skies over Louisville on Friday morning for the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Fest Rush Hour Race.

The weather finally cooperated for the race, allowing the balloons to lift off from Bowman Field at 7 a.m. They landed at Shawnee Park about an hour later. 

Nearly 20 balloons were scheduled to race, but Balloonmeister George Troutman said some voluntarily dropped out of the race. 

"This is probably the toughest calls to make, because of wind speeds, altitude and direction," Troutman said. 

It was the first of two Kentucky Derby Festival balloon races sponsored by L&N Credit Union. It's called a Hare and Hound Race. The first balloon that takes off is the Hare, and the balloons launched after that are called the Hounds.

The remaining balloons take off in 5-10 minute intervals after the Hare balloon. The Hare balloon lands at a site and lays out a large fabric target X. The Hound balloons try to drop their markers as close to the X as possible. The balloon that lands closest to the target wins. 

Scott McClinton piloted the lead balloon, dropping the target to see which could drop a bag closest to the target near the Norton Health & Sports Center. Pilot Jerry Copas piloting the Mirazon balloon won the race, with a toss just 3-3/4 inches from the center of the target.

Kroger balloon pilot Bill Smith said tradition dictates any successful flight that takes them 1,500 hundred feet up in the air is reason enough to celebrate.

"It's a tradition that we have a champagne toast afterwards," Smith said as he popped a cork and raised his glass. 

There's also another reason to celebrate.

"The thrill that I get is seeing the smile on kids faces," Troutman said. "These are a bunch of lollipops in the air." 

If you missed Friday morning's race, another race is scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday at Bowman Field. Admission is free with a Pegasus Pin.

The overall winner of this year's Balloon Fest will be determined after Saturday's race. 

There's also a Balloon Glow scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Friday on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park. People are encouraged to arrive early for dinner.

The parade of balloons starts at 7:30 p.m., and balloons are staged at 8. A drone show will follow the balloon glow. Hundreds turned out for Thursday's Balloon Glow. 

The first Great Balloon race was held at Iroquois Park in 1973, with only seven balloons taking part. 

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