Foley, Ala. - The 9th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival staged seamlessly Friday and Saturday, to what will likely be be record crowds amidst better launch weather than last year. The event is organized by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, and title-sponsored by Tanger Outlets of Foley.

Attached is a stunning gallery of shots from this year's balloon fest from award-winning contributing photographer Michelle Stancil.