The rally took place at Palo Duro Canyon State Park and John Stiff Memorial Park. Activities included balloon launches, a fun run and 5K, food trucks, games, trick-or-treating and a balloon glow.
Aircraft are generally restricted from the canyon, and flights need permission from state park officials. Will Blizzard, a pilot from Albuquerque, New Mexico, said only two days a year allow pilots to set up inside. "Normally, we'd have to be 2,500 feet above the canyon," he said.
Blizzard said pilots control their altitude but rely on winds at different heights to guide them. "Every day is different," he said. Karen Convers, also from Albuquerque, returned to Amarillo after weather kept her out of the canyon the year before. "I can't pass up a chance to fly in this canyon that you normally can't fly in," she said.
The rally also pushed families to explore parks in Potter and Randall counties and supported families in need. Dawn Jones, a Pirates of the Canyon board member, said organizers handed out cards listing local parks so families could find places to visit.