Hudson Hot Air Affair returns Feb. 6–8

The Hudson Hot Air Affair will take place Feb. 6–8 in Hudson, Wis., with balloon launches, a Torchlight Parade and a range of community events. Many activities are scheduled at E.P. Rock Elementary School and other local sites, with some launches listed as weather permitting.

The Hudson Hot Air Affair festival will return Feb. 6–8 in Hudson, Wis. The program includes hot air balloon launches and a series of winter community events. Organizers scheduled a Torchlight Parade and fireworks on Friday evening. Several activities are planned at E.P. Rock Elementary School and other local venues. Event details: - Friday, Feb. 6: Torchlight Parade at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks. - Saturday: a morning balloon launch is scheduled for 7:35 a.m. and an afternoon launch at 3 p.m. at E.P. Rock Elementary School, weather permitting; Moon Glow/Field of Fire is set for 6:15–7:15 p.m. - Sunday, Feb. 8: a balloon launch is scheduled for 7:35 a.m. at E.P. Rock Elementary School. - Saturday activities include a Masons Pancake Breakfast (7 a.m.–noon), Octagon House Museum tours, a pet adoption event at Angel's Pet World, and a marketplace and craft fair at E.P. Rock School (8 a.m.–8 p.m.). - Other events include a Smoosh Board Competition, a prize drop fundraiser for the St. Croix Valley Food Bank, a bean bag tournament, the St. Croix River Dunk at Lakefront Park, booster club bingo, and the Battle of the Beverages & Bites promotion. - Sunday offerings include a breakfast at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse and a free kids ice fishing event at Perch Lake from 1–3 p.m. with prizes; the weekend also features an Eat-Shop-Play promotion and a scavenger hunt with prizes. Summary: The festival brings balloon displays and a range of family-focused and fundraising events across Hudson from Feb. 6–8. Several launches and outdoor activities are listed as weather permitting. The schedule centers on E.P. Rock Elementary School and nearby community sites.