The first balloon competition took place from June 1–4, 2000, and was a significant event for the aviation community and the residents of Krosno. The initiative to organize it came from Bogusia Nykiel-Ostrowska and Adam Gruszecki, who recognized the city's enormous potential for hosting ballooning events. Thanks to their involvement, Krosno became, for the first time, a meeting place for ballooning enthusiasts from various regions of Poland and abroad.
Numerous balloon crews, representing both experienced pilots and young air sports enthusiasts, arrived in the city. The colorful balloons floating over Krosno generated enormous interest among residents and tourists, becoming a unique spectacle. The competition included sporting events requiring precision and experience from the pilots, as well as excellent cooperation from the entire ground crews.
The first edition of the balloon competition was a resounding success and marked the beginning of a ballooning tradition in Krosno. In subsequent years, the event gained increasing popularity, attracting pilots and spectators from across Poland and Europe. Over time, the competition became one of the region's most recognizable aviation events and an important promotional tool for the city of Krosno and the Podkarpacie region.
Over the years, Krosno has become a mandatory date in the calendar for the best crews in the country and Central Europe. The competition in Krosno is a tradition. Residents cannot imagine the long May weekend without stately aircraft. The Foundation's cooperation with the Krosno City Hall, the Podkarpackie Aero Club, the Aviation School, the Regional Center for Borderland Cultures make the city teem with life in the company of balloons. The core of the Polish team tries to participate in the competitions in Krosno. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of young pilots.
