Because of the threat of storms, the piloted hot-air balloon rides did not go up as scheduled on Saturday evening at the Balloons Over Rockbridge event at the Virginia Horse Center. However, tethered rides were provided courtesy of Matt Hurst of Etowah, Tenn., who brought his balloon, “Smile High,” to the event (below right). Many people gathered on the hillside to watch the balloon glow at 9 p.m. as the temperatures dropped and the sky darkened. The band Midnight Blue (bottom left) rounded out the day’s musical entertainment. (Joann Ware photos)
