The balloon was supposed to be a tethered display for the event, but broke loose due to high winds. It forced the pilot to launch into "free flight" for about 20 frightening minutes.
The adventurers didn't seem to mind. "I've actually spoken with all of our guests. They all had a great time and it was a great adventure on a Sunday morning."
COMING IN HOT: A hot air balloon made a crash landing on Skaggs Island near Vallejo with 10 people on board.
According to local media reports, festival organizers invite participants to launch unmanned balloons full of fireworks to usher in a new season.
More than a dozen tourists found themselves stranded in a hot air balloon, forcing first responders to jump into action in Napa County.
Three people aboard a hot air balloon died after it caught on fire and crashed in Virgina.
