Biscuit - Well, don't go by my feed back alone.
Crowds and I just don't get along.
You do "NEED" to catch balloon fest somewhere. This one of course is the Grand Daddy of them in the US but with that honor comes the crowds etc. Awsome site to see, but just too distant unless you fight the crowds which choose not to do.
If you do a simple "Google for Hot air balloons in your area, state, 3-state area, I'm sure you'll pick up something sometime. I've seen several, Prosser,WA can be a good one and they are a little less crowded and more up close and personal like... do a search, you'll find them, and then book a campsite near there... way in advance...When I get my computer up and running I'll repost the links, there in there somewhere... sorry...