Giant Rooster Balloon Inflating at Sonoma County Classic
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 12:42:40 PM · 2026/Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
This wide-angle shot captures the chaotic and colorful spectacle of hot air balloon inflation at the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic. Dominating the foreground is a large red balloon lying on its side, still inflating, while behind it a massive green rooster-shaped novelty balloon (registration PH-IIE) rises impressively against an overcast sky. Crew members in blue jackets can be seen managing the balloons, providing a strong sense of scale against the enormous envelopes. In the background, numerous other balloons in various stages of inflation dot the grass field, including a blue ornate-patterned sphere and other colorful envelopes. The flat, grassy field, tree line, and rolling fog-covered hills in the background are consistent with the Sonoma County, California landscape.
Chronologically Adjacent
