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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Early risers were treated to the sight of colorful balloons dotting the Ottumwa sky Friday morning.

An absolutely perfect morning meant that around half a dozen hot air balloons were able to take off for a morning flight and land near War Memorial Park.

The group Hogs 4 Dogs USA hosted their annual bike ride Thursday night, with 141 bikes participating this year. A few members are also even more involved in the balloon races, and help as a crew for the Mai'Ken Dreams balloon team.

"At the request of Holly Dommer, she got us involved with the bike night of course, and then last year was our first year sponsoring Kenny Jay and Marianne with their balloon for Hogs 4 Dogs USA," said Tammie Hartley, co-founder of Hogs 4 Dogs. "Its just a blast, I mean this is one of Ottumwa's biggest events and it's their 35th year and it's just a lot of fun."

As crew and sponsors, they also have an opportunity to take rides with Kenny in the balloon, which is an indescribable experience.

"My father, it was on his bucket list to do and the year before he passed away, Dale Dommer took us up and so that was my ride," said John Hartley. "It's a pretty cool thing, it really is. Even if you're afraid of heights, it's just, there's no way to explain it unless you're in that basket."

Kenny and his wife Marianne travel across the United States to fly their balloon in racing competitions and to participate in festivals. This is the second year they have participated in Ottumwa's Pro Balloon Races.

For more information on Hogs 4 Dogs USA, visit their website.

For a list of events at this weekend's Pro Balloon Races, click here.