When spectators look across the field at the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, they see colorful balloons, glowing burners, and thousands of feet of fabric rising into the Texas sky.

What they don’t always see is the fuel that makes it all possible.

For many years, Pinnacle Propane has served as the festival’s propane provider, helping ensure balloon pilots have the fuel they need for launches, balloon glows, demonstrations, and other festival activities. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in bringing one of North Texas’ most beloved traditions to life.

Pinnacle Propane is a full-service propane provider serving residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial customers across the communities where they operate. Their team supports everything from homes and businesses to farms, fleets, and large-scale special events.

At the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, their focus shifts skyward.

“We help coordinate propane fueling for the balloons and make sure pilots and crews have access to the fuel they need in a safe, organized, and efficient way,” the company explained.

While balloon launches may appear effortless from the crowd’s perspective, a tremendous amount of planning takes place before the first burner ignites. Pinnacle’s team works closely with festival organizers, balloon pilots, and ground crews to coordinate fueling schedules, support logistics, and maintain safety procedures throughout the event.

And it takes more fuel than many people realize.

According to Pinnacle, a typical hot air balloon may use approximately 20 to 40 gallons of propane during a single flight, depending on factors such as balloon size, weather conditions, flight duration, and burner usage. Over the course of the festival, that number grows quickly.

“Between multiple days of flights, balloon glows, burner demonstrations, and tethered activity, propane usage can reach well into the thousands of gallons,” they noted.

For many festival guests, learning just how essential propane is to ballooning comes as a surprise. The burners fueled by propane heat the air inside the balloon envelope, creating the lift necessary for flight. While the balloons may seem peaceful and effortless once airborne, every launch depends on careful preparation, fuel management, and coordination on the ground.

Safety remains at the center of everything Pinnacle does.

The company utilizes trained professionals, specialized equipment, established fueling procedures, and close communication with experienced balloon crews to ensure fueling operations are conducted safely and efficiently throughout the festival.

Pinnacle’s connection to ballooning extends beyond North Texas. The company also provides propane for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, widely recognized as the largest hot air ballooning event in the world. Yet despite supporting major events across the country, the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival holds a special place for their team.

“What makes Plano especially special is the local connection,” Pinnacle shared. “Seeing families, pilots, volunteers, and visitors all come together for something so unique.”

When asked about their favorite festival memory, the answer came quickly: the evening balloon glow.

As daylight fades and dozens of balloons illuminate the field with synchronized bursts of flame, the experience transforms into something entirely different from a morning launch.

“The glow has its own energy,” Pinnacle said. “It’s one of those moments where you can really feel the excitement from the crowd.”

For the Pinnacle team, those glowing balloons represent more than fuel and logistics.

They represent community.

They represent tradition.

And they represent thousands of memories being created, one burner blast at a time.

As colorful balloons once again fill the skies over Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park this September, take a moment to appreciate the people working behind the scenes. Their efforts may not always be visible from the crowd, but they help power every launch, every glow, and every unforgettable moment that makes the Festival soar.

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is September 17-20, 2026 with a daily schedule of entertainment, activities, rides, arts and craft vendors, food, fun and hot air balloons. Tickets on sale soon for admission and VIP packages. www.planoballoonfest.org

Find out more about Pinnacle Propane at https://www.pinnaclepropane.com/.