Balloon Rallys - Advice for First Timer?

Could anyone out there recommend an appropriate balloon rally for a 'first timer' in or near Texas? My husband and I are relatively new aeronauts. He has barely 50 hours now but has a commercial rating and I'm a student pilot (so he would do the flying). We would like to do at least one rally this year and are wondering if we should do a sanctioned or non-sanctioned event, or does it matter? We are not ready to compete yet, but just want to have fun and be part of it. We live in East Texas about 60 miles south of Dallas and would be willing to travel up to about 5 hours driving time. We would just like some ideas so that we don't get into something over our heads. Any advice would be wonderful. Please post here, or email. Thanks.

Be certain to talk to the ralley master well in advance. He will want to check your insurance and will give you the rest of the info you eed.