FOLEY, Ala. — “This is amazing. That’s what Gordon Welch of Perdido Key, Fla. Said Saturday evening as he watched the hallmark of the ninth annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.

That highlight featured 43 colorful orbs either taking flight or heating things up with a choreographed balloon glow, as well as offering tethered rides to attendees.

“The tethered rides were a big hit,” Festival Chairman Russ More said.

Welch said he came to last year’s festival but was disappointed when wind conditions prevented balloons from taking off. But he and wife Pat returned and were not disappointed a second time.

“It was well worth the wait,” he said.

The balloons came from across the nation, with pilots hailing from Mississppi, Texas and New Mexico. But the crowds came from far and wide, as well, with Bailey Carr of New York echoing Welch’s impression of the Friday and Saturday event.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Also impressed was first-time crew member Dwayne Owens of Elberta.

“I’m working with the Zipper balloon,” he said.

While the balloons were the star, the festival also had other attractions. Among them was Disc-Connected K9s, an athletic dog show that made its sixth visit to the annual event to show off the sporting skills of 15 rescued canines.

In addition, 19-year-old Anna Streets of Birmingham was named winner of the Gulf Coast Rising Stars Talent Competition. Plus the Tip Tops, Category 4 and the Dan Eubanks Band also performed, among others.

But that’s not all, a variety of activities for kids and vendors offering concessions and wares, as well as an antique tractor show, made the festival an ideal family outing.

“We’ve got huge crowds here,”  said Donna Watts, CEO/President of South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, which presents the annual festival.