By Emma Jade, Local News 8 Reporter

DRIGGS - It's not your typical nine to five.

"They do it because they love it," said hot air balloon pilot, Kong.

But for these high-flying addicts, they wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's a passion for us," said Kong. "These people are our friends, even the ones we haven't met yet are our friends, you know, we have a bond because we're all balloonists."

Folks come as far as Tucson, Arizona to put their balloons up in the sky for the Teton County Hot Air Balloon Races. For them, it's not so much about the race, but their love of flying.

The close-knit community of hot air balloonists let Local News 8 in for the day, taking us to new heights, giving us a whole new view... there truly is nothing like it.

"It's just a passion, I mean it's fun," said Kong. "We enjoy doing this, we love to fly."

These thrill-seekers will be lighting up the Idaho-skies with their multi-colored balloons for the fourth of July weekend.  

Kong said Driggs is one of his most favorite places to soar.

"It's just a beautiful place to fly, the wonderful wind directions and the gorgeous scenery."

As shocking as it is, hot air ballooning is categorized as a job - one that is affected by the slumping economy.

"It's caused a lot of balloonists to limit the number of races they go to each year," said hot air balloon pilot, Greg Ashton.

But money isn't on the minds of Kong, Ashton, and the rest of the die-hard balloonists.

"If we miss a race, it's kinda like missing a family reunion, because that's kinda like what ballooning is, it's a big family," said Ashton.

They see above money from their view in the sky.

"Think of the thing you've done in your life that's the most fun and this is it," said Kong.

The hot air balloon races take place in Driggs at the Teton County Fairgrounds July 3-5. The balloons lift-off around 5 AM, rising with the sun. For more information, visit www.tetonvalleychamber.com