KONGregation of Balloons

05/27/2026

Let’s warm things up and glow! Come join us!!

05/25/2026

Will be sending merch order in this afternoon. If you e procrastinated this is your last call!

https://columbiaballoonport.com/shop/

05/23/2026

⏰ TIME IS STILL MERCH’G ON! ⏰
The clock is ticking! ⏳ It's time to bring out the merch, clear your carts, and lock in your look.
👉 Order your 2026 Merch today!! https://columbiaballoonport.com/shop/ 🛍️
Don't wait until the last minute—the DEADLINE is this Sunday, May 24th to guarantee your order delivery and pickup before Kongregation!
Get those orders in right now so you're ready to roll. We absolutely cannot wait to see you all fully merchandised up and looking sharp at the big event on June 13th & 14th! 🎈✨
Click, shop, and score yours before time runs out! 👇
https://columbiaballoonport.com/shop/
Pictured items and more are available in the shop!

05/20/2026

⏰ TIME IS MERCH’G ON! ⏰

The countdown is officially ON and the clock is ticking! ⏳ It's time to bring out the merch, clear your carts, and lock in your look.

👉 Order your 2026 Merch today!! https://columbiaballoonport.com/shop/ 🛍️

Don't wait until the last minute—the DEADLINE is this Sunday, May 24th to guarantee your order delivery and pickup before Kongregation!

Get those orders in right now so you're ready to roll. We absolutely cannot wait to see you all fully merchandised up and looking sharp at the big event on June 13th & 14th! 🎈✨

Click, shop, and score yours before time runs out! 👇
https://columbiaballoonport.com/shop/

Pictured items and more available in the shop!

04/18/2026

PILOTS! From your Balloonmeister...

Kongregation is Back — and This Year It's a Konglomeration!

June 13-14, 2026!

2026 marks the 5th Anniversary of the Kongregation — a gathering of balloonists from around the country who come together in flight and fellowship to honor the memory of our friend Kong (Jeff Shields). Kong was a man who inspired and supported so many in their ballooning endeavors, and his dedication to the sport lives on in every flight we share in his memory.

Balloons will be flying at sunrise all weekend. Sunday, June 14th will remain our private memorial flight.

So what makes 2026 a Konglomeration? This year we're going bigger. For the first time, we're opening our doors to the public for a full Saturday of aviation on June 13th at Prosser Airport - the Prosser Flag and Flight Festival — an airplane fly-in, helicopters, guest speakers, a farmers market, and of course, balloons...with a Mark Yonker special competition! Propane will be provided by Valley Wide Co-op, a sponsor of the event.

This is an event you truly won't want to miss.

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PLANNING YOUR STAY

Your first order of business: lock in accommodations! Here are your options:

Camping — If you have a tent, RV, or travel trailer and don't mind dry camping, reach out to us about availability at Hot Air Acres with Mandy and Vic.
For full hookups (electric, water, etc.), Wine Country RV Park in Prosser is a great option — pet friendly, tent sites available, starting at $75/night: winecountryrvpark.com

Hotels — Prosser has two chain hotels, plus a few motels and Airbnbs:

• Best Western Plus – The Inn at Horse Heaven: THIS IS OUR HOST HOTEL! We have a group rate available! Call (509) 786-7977 and mention you want a room from the Prosser Flag and Flight Festival discount block of rooms. You must CALL to get this special rate - $113/Friday, $147/Saturday, $119/Sunday if needed (Online booking rates WILL be higher.) https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-prosser/best-western-plus-the-inn-at-horse-heaven/propertyCode.48121.html

• Holiday Inn Express, Prosser: Book directly through their website. https://www.guestreservations.com/holiday-inn-express-38-suites-prosser-yakima-valley-wine/booking?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1014862718&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1014862718&gbraid=0AAAAADiMQMbu5i9F8GJpTjkKgyGv413xw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy_fOBhC6ARIsAHKFB7_xMtL2iBPnK0lXB7QhfXIwmT_aUbRdBoyv-nan4FLM-YhDY2DPCIIaAnFIEALw_wcB&ctTriggered=true

Make your reservation soon — rooms go fast! A schedule of events and more details on what it happening that weekend will be coming next! We can't wait to see you all in Prosser this June.

Warm regards,
Joey Hernandez
Balloonmeister
(206) 450-1747
[email protected]

04/02/2026

Not quite ready for orders and here’s a sneak peek! This years shirts are awesome! Am I the only one that can’t wait to order? Thank you, Shara your design work is appreciated! 

03/18/2026

Something delicious is landing at the Prosser Airport! 🛬🍎

We’re on "Cloud Nine" because the Prosser Farmers Market is joining us for the Prosser Flag and Flight Festival! We’ve cleared the runway for 4 farmers, 11 artisans, 11 food/drink vendors, plus local honey and flowers.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a local foodie, there’s something for everyone.

Market Hours: 8:00 AM to Noon

Bonus Time: Some vendors are sticking around until 2:00 PM!

Grab the kids, invite your neighbors, and let’s make it a day to remember. ✈️🧺

01/29/2026

KONGREGATION IS BACK IN PROSSER! THIS TIME IT WILL BE A KONGLOMERATION

When does a Kongregation become a Konglomeration? The short answer is on June 13, 2026! 2026 is the 5th Anniversary of the Kongregation, a gathering of balloonists from around the country who come together in flight and fellowship to honor the memory of our friend Kong (Jeff Shields), a man who inspired and helped support so many in their ballooning endeavors over many years of dedication to the sport. Balloonists participate in a memorial flight, maybe some fun competition, and just get together to enjoy this unique sport that we do. How is 2026 unique? It will include a full aviation day with other forms of aviation (airplanes, helicopters, speakers, etc.) and will for the first time include and invite the public for a Saturday full of events and flights from, to and at the Prosser Airport. And Sunday will be our private memorial flight.

This is going to be an event you won’t want to miss. Due to space considerations we may have to limit participation however every effort will be made to include all who express an interest to attend. Shoot us a message and let us know if you think you would like to come. Much more information is forthcoming as we finalize some details and we can’t wait to share it with you! Message 2026 Balloonmeister, Joey Hernandez or Mandy Johnson or email [email protected]

01/16/2026

2026 Dates Set - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! June 13th and 14th - back in Prosser, WA! It's been 5 years (hard to believe this will be #5!) and we'll be getting back to our roots with a Konglomeration of events and fun for you to participate in. Joey Hernandez will be this year's balloonmeister and he is busy making the arrangements for you to come to town. More information will follow very soon - SAVE THE DATE, JUNE 13/14, 2026!! We hope you'll plan to join us!

12/08/2025

It’s finally here - today is the day!

Tonight is the night!

Please enter from hwy 224
Cooperative way is exit only!

🎄 EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tri-City Raceway

5:00 PM — Gates Open
• Glow Balloons Begin
• Entry by donation (non-perishable food item for Operation Candy Cane)

6:00 – 6:20 PM — Badger Mountain Elementary Choir Performance

6:30 PM — Lower Valley Christmas Trucks Parade

6:45 – 8:15 PM — Show ’n Shine
• Holiday truck display
• Photo ops
• Santa & Mrs. Claus on site

vendors onsite!

Lower Valley Christmas Trucks | Wicker & Wine Balloon Rides | Ohana Maka Hot Air Balloon | Benton County Fire District #4 | IBEW Local 112 | Rollin