NSBNEWS.net photo by Sera King. Several thousand people showed up at dawn Saturday to watch the launchings of hot-air balloons. The crowd had ballooned to 10,000 the night before to watch the flame-testing required before flight. Please check out the previous story and photos for more highlights. The inaugural Seaside Balloon Fest was led by New Smyrna Beach Mayor Sally Mackay as a new year's celebration for the city and to spark tourism.