The balloon was supposed to be a tethered display for the event, but broke loose due to high winds.
That forced the pilot to launch into "free flight."
At one point, the balloon basket slammed into a building at the Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, just south of Sacramento.
It also hit a power line.
After about 20 frightening minutes, the pilot was able to land safely in an open field.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.