Copa Glow
As the night air cooled, balloon operators started the inflation process for the night's Glow. Photo by Raquel Hendrickson

The City of Maricopa’s inaugural Copa Glow hot air balloon fest and marketplace packed a crowd into Copper Sky Saturday evening. Balloon operators showed off their burner skills as residents got up close and personal to see how it all worked. While most of the colorful balloons were tethered to focus on “glowing,” two balloons gave paying customers a chance to ride a few dozen feet into the air. The sights and sounds from the park even elicited calls to police by unsuspecting residents at home. The free event also touted vendors, music and an outdoor movie.