MEDORA, N.D. (KFYR) - A lack of wind early Saturday kept the Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally from ascending into the sky. Still, many of the people in the crowd of at least 1,500 enjoyed tethered rides in the colorful airships.

Pilots of the ten balloons did several tests between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. but determined the wind would not be strong enough to carry the balloons over Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The balloons are not allowed to land in the park. Wind measurements at times were at zero. While propane gas provides the lift of a balloon, wind speed and direction determine its flight path.

After suspending the flights, organizers of the 23rd annual rally called for a tethered launch so spectators could enjoy short balloon rides, which ascended to about 50 feet for a few minutes. Cre

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