In 1978, Ed Griskott, organizer of the Glens Falls Balloon Festival, visited the Quechee Inn, inspiring the creation of the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival. The first event, held in June 1979, featured six balloons, local food, and music on the Quechee Green. Though the Chamber of Commerce initially lost money, the festival’s charm cemented it as a local tradition.
Over the years, it evolved with new features like shaped balloons, car shows, and memorable moments such as a bride tossing her bouquet from a balloon. Now held annually on Father’s Day weekend, the festival has become a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Upper Valley, celebrating milestones for locals and visitors alike.