Every fall, The Snowmass Balloon Festival fills the skies over Snowmass Valley with big bulbs of brilliant design. It has become one of the enduring images of Aspen: fireworks over Ajax, sunrise on the Bells, balloons over the golf course. But have you ever wondered what exactly IS a balloon festival? Is it a race? A design competition? Who makes these things? This article in the Aspen Daily News gives a great rundown.