Bill Hughes of Blue Sky Balloons started this event in Dutchess County in 1993.
Onlookers may watch from the Walkway Over the Hudson, and also the waterfronts in Poughkeespie and Highland.
http://www.dcrcoc.org/balloonfestivalNOTE: I am still looking to gather information on 4 balloons, and have not heard back yet from the people that I reached out to. I am willing to accept said information if someone has it.