Two hot air balloons events will be held in Texas' official balloon capital this summer.
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Giant, rainbow balloons will soar over the East Texas skyline when the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship returns to the city of Longview this summer.

Pilots and balloon teams will race to the finish line, with launch and landing sites changing each day depending on wind and weather conditions.

It's not the first time the city is hosting the national championships. They were previously held in Longview from 2012 to 2015.

Known as the balloon capital of Texas after an official designation from the governor at the time in 1985, Longview is also the host of the annual Great Texas Balloon Race which will take place just after the national championships.

Gregg County where Longview is located also received the designation of “Balloon Race Capital of Texas” by the 83rd Texas Legislature.

Started in 1958 by local dentist Bill Bussey, the Great Texas Balloon Race draws about 5,000 to 20,000 visitors each year. There are different events, including one for novelty balloons that will feature movie and cartoon characters.

Several country music stars are also expected to perform this year.

The U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship will run June 12-18, while the Great Texas Balloon Race will start running concurrently June 16-18 at the Longview Convention Complex.