When the San Juan River Balloon Rally lifted off earlier this month in Bloomfield, there were more female pilots taking to the New Mexico skies. 

According to a report by KOB 4, one-third of the pilots in this year’s event were women, a rarity in the ballooning community. Doug Lenburg, the rally’s balloonmeister, told the TV station that the event actually started on a dare from a young woman. 

“A young lady in Farmington said, ‘I dare you to start a balloon rally in Bloomfield,’ and I said I don’t know if the city of Bloomfield will want to do it,” Lenburg told KOB 4. 

This year marked the return of the balloon rally, which was grounded for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to KOB 4. 

According to the report, 21 balloons were expected to lift off at the event, and KOB 4 noted that the event has blossomed to become an important part of the Bloomfield community.  

The event made its debut 15 years ago, according to the KOB 4 report, with the natural beauty of the Four Corners region serving as an attraction, a beauty that is only magnified from the air.