The City of Raleigh’s Convention Center team asked pilot Brian Hoyle of Hot Air Marketing to put on a tethered balloon demonstration as part of the capital city’s Independence Day celebration. While winds didn’t allow for planned free tethered rides, Hoyle and the Big Red Hot Air Balloon Team were able to work with crews to host a live news telecast and offer a pre-fireworks glow for spectators. Organizers estimate the crowds crested at just over 100,000.