THe Great PRosser
Balloon Rally
A Special Supplement to the Prosser Record-Bulletin & The Grandview Herald September 25th, 2019
2019 Balloon Rally Committee Members Nikki Norby, Morgan Everett, Shirley Delaney, Kendall Murphey, Danielle Morrow, Lindsay Bardessono, Jacob VanPelt, Sue Derryberry, Amanda Everett and Chelane Medley
Index
The Pilots and Their Balloons Carmen Blakely - Terra Madre Ron Cassidy - Break Time Luke Cesnik - Freedom Flight Kearney Davis - Kearney’s Mistress Roy Foote - Tahnimara Too Tim Gale - Knight-N-Gale Laura Hancock - Morning Glory Stephanie Hughes - Spuds Cheryl Isaacs - La Brisa Del Mar Dale Justice - La Jolla Kemp Lindsey - Liberty Belle Jack Loflin - Emerald Welcome to the Rally Schedule of Events Greg Miller - I’ll Fly Away 2 Koh Murai - Firenzė Eric Quinn - Millennium Spirit Dawne Smith-Rushkarski - Fired UP Alan Sanderson - Diamonds Larry Simburger - Starfire Why Aren’t the Balloons Flying? Farmers Can Warn Off Landing Balloon Pilots Top 10 Balloon Festivals in the USA No Pets Please 2019 Balloonmeister Crew Posts
page 4 page 5
Balloonist’s Prayer
page 6 page 7
page 9 page 10 page 11 page 12 page 14 page 15 page 17 page 18 page 19
May the wind welcome you with softness. May the sun bless you with his warm hands. May you fly so high and so well, God joins you in your laughter. And may He set you gently back again, Into the loving arms of Mother Earth.
Page 2 · index
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The Pilots and Their balloons
Carmen Blakely - Terra Madre
Pilot Name: Carmen Blakely Home: Salem, Oregon Balloon Name: Terra Madre Sponsor: Brown’s Les Schwab Interesting Facts: Carmen started crewing for hot air balloons in 1994. After her first flight she knew that she had to learn to fly. She received her private pilot’s license in 2000 and her commercial license in 2001. She now owns Tierra Madre. She flies in the Willamette Valley and travels as much as possible to balloon rallies around the Western United States. Since 2016 she has now flown in all of the Western States at balloon rallies. Or you can find her flying just for the fun of flying. Carmen says ballooning creates life-long friendships and families. She started flying in Prosser in 2003.
RoN Cassidy Break Time
Pilot Name: Ron Cassidy Home: Homedale, Idaho Balloon Name: Break Time Sponsor: Prosser Balloon Rally Interesting Facts: Ron Cassidy started ballooning in 1989. He earned his commercial pilot certificate in 1990. In 1995 he became interested in building hot air balloons. His first balloon was completed and received an Airworthiness Certificate in 1997. Since then Ron has built many balloons and has mentored a number of builders on other balloon projects. Ron’s wife, Sue, is also a commercial certificated pilot. Ron and Sue live in Homedale, Idaho. Please stop and say hello. This is Ron’s first time at The Great Prosser Balloon Rally!
F-REE YOURSELF AND SOAR
L-IVE THE LIFE YOU ALWAYS DREAM
Y-OU ARE THE PILOT
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Page 4 · The Pilots and Their balloons
Luke Cesnik Freedom Flight
Pilot Name: Luke Cesnik Home: St. Cloud, Minnesota Balloon Name: Freedom Flight Sponsor: Fun Flyer Ballooning Organization: Freedom Flight V is part of Freedom Flight, Inc. which is a non-profit, educational Corporation established in 1988. The company seeks to honor and increase the awareness of P.O.W. / M.I.A. issues. The organization is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time, talent and money to fly three POW/MIA hot air balloons at various events across America and the World. Interesting Facts: Luke started flying when he was 15 and after a stint in the Air Force he used the GI Bill to get his commercial, instrument, multi-engine and flight instructors rating. He has been flying for 51 years. Luke took his first balloon ride in 1990 and decided he could do this too! After flying balloons for the past 28 years, he has many wonderful memories, but one really stands out in his mind as one of the best: The time he flew the Pilot and Navigator from the same B-52 that was shot down over Hanoi during the Vietnam War. They were the only ones who survived. They were both captured and held as POW’s at the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison camp. And here they were many years later in the POW balloon with him as they dedicated the flight to the ones they lost back in Vietnam the day when they were shot down. Another flight that stands out to Luke is when he got to see the snow fall up. He was flying in Hudson, WI. While they were flying it began to snow huge flakes and visibility started to become poor, so he picked a good place to land and began his decent. As he did, they began descending faster than the snow was falling and it appeared as if the snow was falling up. One of the passengers said that she felt like she was in a snow globe - like floating in a dream.
Kearney Davis Kearney’s Mistress
Pilot Name: Kearney Davis Home: Battle Ground, Washington Balloon Name: Kearney’s Mistress Sponsor: FruitSmart Started Ballooning: Kearney’s interest in ballooning began while he was crewing at The Great Reno Balloon Race approximately 30 years ago. He started his pilot training in 1996. He completed his pilot training January of 1997. Then in 2015, he went on and certified and became a commercial pilot. He has been flying ever since! Interesting Facts: Kearney and his family enjoy traveling to and participating in balloon rallies. They have had the opportunity to fly in WA, OR, NV, AZ, NM, CA, WY and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. His wife, Deanna, named the balloon “Kearney’s Mistress” as she said it is the only thing he is allowed to spend money on other than her. So, his balloon is his mistress!
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The Pilots and Their balloons · Page 5
Roy Foote Tahnimara Too
Pilot Name: Roy Foote Home: Boise, Idaho Balloon Name: Tahnimara Too (Comanche for Lonely Wind). Sponsor: Prosser Animal Hospital Started in Ballooning: In 1987 when he bought a ride for his wife Paula’s birthday. Ballooning in Prosser: Roy has been with us every year since the 2nd Rally in 1991. Interesting Facts: His wife, Paula, considers Prosser the ideal place to visit, “It is fun flying and the wineries are plentiful.” Roy has flown all over the northwest and especially likes to fly in Winthrop in March where there is lots of great snow and great flying.
Roy h a s helped put on the Boise event for all the years it was affiliated with the River Festival.
LOOK UP, LOOK OUT... and be safe around electricity
Tim Gale Knight-N-Gale
Pilot Name: Tim Gale Home: St. Helens, Oregon Balloon Name: Knight-N-Gale Sponsor: Port of Benton Balloon Description/ History: Knight-N-Gale is a re-skin of their former balloon, Checkmate. The heavier elements of the envelope, cables and ropes, were retained. Only the outer fabric was replaced. Checkmate’s last flight was in Prosser 2014. That envelope was the second of the same design. The original Checkmate design was flown in 1980 in Boise, Idaho Started in Ballooning: 1979 Ballooning in Prosser: Since 2007 Ballooning History: • We started for fun, then ran a weekend ride business in the 1980’s. Our activities since then have been mostly for fun flying and organized events such as The Great Prosser Balloon Rally. We’ve also been active in balloon safety education and Shari has been the editor for the Willamette Aerostat Society newsletter for many years • We’ve taken three generations of the Montgolfier family, the very same family that started hot air balloons in 1783. Tim has a penchant for water dipping, known as “splash & dash” and Prosser has one of the great opportunities to do that very thing. • Tim is our Balloon Meister this year for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally!
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Page 6 · The Pilots and Their balloons
Laura Hancock Morning Glory
Pilot Name: Laura Hancock Home: Newberg, Oregon Balloon Name: Morning Glory Sponsor: Milne Fruit Products Balloon History: This beautiful 1978 Raven Rally Balloon started off as a gift from a complete stranger. Its newAerostar envelope was purchased by co-owner and crew chief Bales. Morning Glory is flown by owner and operator Laura Hancock. She has been ballooning for 26 years. Laura has flown in Oregon, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, and Taiwan.
Stephanie Hughes - Spuds Pilot Name: Stephanie Hughes Home: Spokane, Washington Balloon Name: Spuds Sponsor: Fun Flyer! Stephanie started flying balloons with her parents when she was very little. The balloon, Spuds, has four potatoes plants that are Washington potatoes. After Stephanie had twin boys, she needed an excuse to get out of the house, so she got the family balloon out of storage and became a pilot in 2006. She has flown in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and helped crew in Saga, Japan. The best part about ballooning for Stephanie is that it brings lots of smiles and curiosity to many faces.
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The Pilots and Their balloons · Page 7
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Cheryl Isaacs La Brisa Del Mar
Pilot Name: Cheryl Isaacs Home: Tigard, Oregon Balloon Name: La Brisa Del Mar (Sea Breeze) Sponsor: Everett Law Offices Ballooning in Prosser and History : Since 2003. La Brisa was made in 2002 and purchased by Cheryl in 2015 from an owner in Georgia. The envelope is 84,000 cubic feet (it could hold 84,000 basketballs). In 1996 she started crewing for a large balloon company and absolutely loved it. In 1999 she decided to learn how to fly. So, she started training with a couple friends and together they bought their first balloon. She became a private pilot in 1999 and passed her commercial in 2000. She flies commercially with Vista Balloons in Newberg, Ore., and can fly up to a 150k with passengers. She also travels with her own balloon to various rallies every year and really enjoys the social events and the flying. As a commercial pilot she has completed several school presentations demonstrating the “stand-up” process and explaining how ballooning works. Interesting Facts: She flies in the winter in Gallup, New Mexico with around 150 other balloonists. During the season she travels to Washington, Idaho and New Mexico to fly in rallies. She also does a couple in her home state of Oregon.
Kemp Lindsey Liberty Belle Pilot Name: Kemp Lindsey Home: Boise, Idaho Balloon Name: Liberty Belle Sponsor: Yakima Federal Savings & Loan Balloon Description and History: Red White and blue with white stars and a full red skirt. Ballooning in Prosser: Since 1991 almost every year Interesting Facts: Kemp and wife, Georgia, say Prosser is one of their favorite places to fly their balloon. Kemp started flying balloons in 1979 after crewing for two years.
Dale Justice La Jolla
Pilot Name: Dale Justice Home: Newberg, Oregon Balloon Name: La Jolla “La Hoya” Sponsor: Bleyhl’s Co-Op Propane Ballooning in Prosser: Since 2008 Balloon History:This is the second balloon, Dale has flown in Prosser, three years ago, he flew Outer Limits. Interesting Facts: Dale has been around hot air balloons for over 30 years. He started his pilot training in 1984. He completed the requirements and passed his private tests 25 years later, in 2009. He never gave up the dream of being a pilot during that time. He is flying the “La Jolla” balloon and has flown around the Willamette Valley and at dozens of balloon rallies in the Northwest. He passed his commercial tests and received the “Aeronaut of the Year” award from the Willamette Aerostat Society in 2015. For Dale, giving others the thrill of flying in a balloon is a great pleasure. Often, it is their first flight, and one they will always remember. Dale also takes many pictures at balloon events and the pictures are always appreciated by fellow balloonatics.
Jack Loflin - Emerald
Pilot Name: Jack Loflin Home: Aurora, Oregon Balloon Name: Emerald Sponsor: Sewing Basket & Quilted Inn Interesting Facts: Jack’s first stab at piloting was when he was 6 years old. It was a small “line controlled” airplane with a 13-inch wingspan. No passengers! At age 18 Jack started flying “real” airplanes. Over the last 19 years, he has logged over 5,000 hours flying various aircraft. Although he started with airplanes, he now also flies helicopters, gliders, and hot air balloons. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and is a certified flight instructor for airplanes, helicopters and balloons. His day job is as an airplane and helicopter test pilot. In 2017 Jack’s wife, Sallie, started Willamette Valley Balloons to provide scenic flights for passengers and to travel to balloon rallies. Jack now works for her on his days off, flying the green and black balloon you’ll see at the rally. “Stop by and say hi. We’d love to meet you.”
The Pilots and Their balloons · Page 9
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1120 Meade Ave. • Prosser • 786-0747 Page 10 · Welcome To the Rally
Welcome to the 30th Annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally The Balloon Rally committee is excited to keep this family fun event in Prosser. We have worked hard to keep the traditions going, while trying to grow the Rally and improve each year. As we hit our 30th year, we are looking for new volunteers to help us keep the traditions going, and coordinate the event as it grows. We are happy to have this event in our town, and show off our beautiful area to all the visitors. If you see a balloon pilot, or one of our sponsors please tell them thank you for helping bring this wonderful event to town. We have sunrise launches planned for Sept. 27th, 28th and 29h at the Prosser Airport, Weather Permitting. A Night Glow show has been planned for Saturday, Sept. 28th at Art Fiker Stadium. Don’t forget to be there early to listen to some great music from the Bram Brata Steel Drum Band. (REMEBER: All the sunrise launches and night glow are dependent upon the weather.) We are looking forward to a great Rally this year, and are very thankful that Tim Gale has accepted our invitation to be our Balloonmeister. We encourage the public to grab their cameras and come out and enjoy the early morning launches. The beauty of the balloons floating over the Yakima River is a sight that everyone should see. And don’t forget about the Night Glow, sponsored by Prosser Memorial Health. The Milne Kid Zone is another fun activity to enjoy at Night Glow, while the balloons prepare to light up. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is a very special event with a lot of tradition and history. Every year, it introduces a new generation of kids to hot air ballooning and sparks so many great questions and interests. We appreciate the support and effort throughout the community to help make this annual event wonderful for Prosser. Chairman, Morgan Everett
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally 2019 Schedule of Events Friday, Sept. 27, 2019
Sunday Sept. 29, 2019
• 6:00 a.m. - Balloonists prepare to launch from the Prosser Airport • Balloon Rally Memorabilia on sale at Airport • 6:30 a.m. - Pilot Briefing in the Milne building on Haggarty Lane at the Airport • 6:45 a.m. - Fournier Media Day Flight - Sunrise Hot Air Balloon launches • 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Harvest Festival takes place in downtown Prosser • Balloon Rally Memorabilia for sale at Prosser’s downtown Harvest Festival
• 6:00 a.m. - Balloonists prepare to launch Hot Air Balloons from the Prosser Airport • Balloon Rally Memorabilia on sale at Airport • 6:30 a.m. - Pilot Briefing in the Milne building on Haggarty Lane at the Airport • 6:45 a.m. - Sunday Morning Flight - Sunrise Hot Air Balloon launches • 8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast at the Prosser Senior Activity Center on 7th Street. • 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Harvest Festival in downtown Prosser • Caren Mercer-Andreason Street Painting Festival in downtown Prosser
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 • 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. - Biscuits & Gravy Fundraiser Breakfast at West Benton Fire Rescue station • 6:00 a.m. - Balloonists prepare to launch Hot Air Balloons from the Prosser Airport • Balloon Rally Memorabilia on sale at Airport • Continental Breakfast by PEO Sisterhood at Airport • 6:30 a.m. - Pilot Briefing in the Milne building on Haggarty Lane at the Airport • 6:45 a.m. - Sponsor Appreciation Day Flight - Sunrise Hot Air Balloon launches • 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Breakfast by National Honor Society at Keene-Riverview School • 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Farmers Market located between the Library and the City Park • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Harvest Festival takes place in Historic Downtown Prosser • Caren Mercer-Andreason Street Painting Festival in Historic Downtown Prosser • 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Balloon Rally Memorabilia for sale at Prosser’s Historic Downtown Harvest Festival • 5:45 p.m. - Night Glow, gates open at the Art Fiker Stadium • Balloon Rally Memorabilia on sale at Art Fiker Stadium front gate • Barbecue for sale by Prosser 4H at Art Fiker Stadium • Coffee, Cocoa and Pop on sale by Prosser FFA at the Stadium • 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. - Entertainment by Bram Brata Steel Drum Band • Dusk - Night Glow at the Art Fiker Stadium
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Event schedule · Page 11
Greg Miller I’ll Fly Away 2 Pilot Name: Greg Miller Home: Prineville, Oregon Balloon Name: I’ll Fly Away 2 Sponsor: Benton PUD Started Ballooning: Went to a photo event as a freelance photographer in 1989. Took a flight on media day and was instantly hooked. Greg started ballooning in 1990 as a crew member and ended up buying the balloon he was crewing for in 1995. He got his private license in 1996 and his commercial license in 1997. Ballooning in Prosser: This is his 9th year. Interesting Facts: Greg has flown all over the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, as well as, Albuquerque. He has spent the past 20+ years, flying in and promoting Hot Air Balloon Events. Come out and say hello to Greg and be part of the experience. Greg also flies special shape balloon’s as a contract pilot. Some of the special shapes he has flown include: The Purple People Eater; Spunky the Skunk Head; and Tic Toc the Giant Clock, to name a few.
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Page 12 · The Pilots and Their balloons
Koh Murai - FirenzÉ Pilot Name: Koh Murai Home: Yamhill, Oregon Balloon Name: Firenzé Sponsor: Prosser Memorial Heatlh Interesting Facts: Has worked as a launch crew, launch master and consultant for several trans-global balloon attempts. Koh has received the following awards: 1997 – Excellence in Ballooning from Pacific Coast Aeronauts 1999 – Presidents Award from Balloon Federation of America 2009 – Directors Award, at The Great Reno Balloon Race and in 2012 – Sportsman’s Award, at the Great Reno Balloon Race The people that you meet, pilots, crews, passengers and spectators are still the main reason to fly. The joy of flight is always there but people make the difference. Along the way Koh has made some home-built balloons as well as work on the technical, planning and execution side of distance, duration and altitude record flights. This included a five-year stint in round the world balloon flight attempts. Applying those skills has taken him to the world of scientific balloon design and flight for terrestrial, near-space and planetary exploration flights. Recently training the next generations of pilots in the family - his two granddaughters.
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Eric Quinn Millennium Spirit
Dawne Smith-Rushkarski Fired UP Pilot Name: Dawne Smith-Rushkarski Home: Monroe, WA Balloon Name: Fired UP Sponsor: Flying for Fun! Balloon Description/ History: Multi colored rainbow Started in Ballooning: Before the age of 10, she began chasing balloons from the very first time she saw one. She begged her parents to take her ballooning at every event. 35 years later, she can be found, most flyable days, either piloting one of her two balloons, someone else's balloon, or chasing someone flying so she can photograph the action. Ballooning in Prosser: 1999
Pilot Name: Eric Quinn Home: In the Sky Balloon Name: Millennium Spirit Sponsor: Chukar Cherries Balloon Description: Red, White and Blue with Stars
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Page 14 · The Pilots and Their balloons
Alan Sanderson Diamonds
Pilot Name: Alan Sanderson Home: Albany, Oregon Balloon Name: Diamonds Sponsor: Benton REA Balloon Description/ History: Yellow, Green and Red Diamonds Ballooning History: Alan Sanderson was crew for some coworkers in the 1980s. He earned his commercial pilot certificate in 1992 in the Morgan Hill and Gilroy area south of San Jose, California, and has flown over 930 hours in balloons. He has flown many events in the Western United States, including Albany and Tigard, Oregon. He holds a FAA repairman certificate, and he owns Lindan Hot Air Service Center in Albany, the only FAA hot air balloon repair station in Oregon. He has received factory maintenance training on most major balloon brands, and is authorized to repair almost all brands, including some experimental balloons. This is his first appearance at The Great Prosser Balloon Rally!
Larry Simburger Starfire Pilot Name: Larry Simburger Home: Everett, Washington Balloon Name: Starfire Sponsor: Tom Denchel Ford Country Sponsor Services: Local car dealership. Balloon Description/ History: Yellow, light and dark green stripes with large white “Stars” Started in Ballooning: In 1984 crewing with a friend. Ballooning in Prosser: Since 1998 Interesting Facts: He loves ballooning with his wife Gail and sons Dave, Michael and Mathew.
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Why Aren’t the Balloons Flying?
You’ve probably noticed that all the hot air balloon flight schedules bear the same caveat: Weather Permitting. That only makes sense. After all, the flight of any craft that makes its way though the air requires weather that is within certain parameters for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of passengers and crew. And if that is true, even for craft that carry hundreds of people hundreds of miles at hundreds of miles per hour, it must be that much more so for the gently gliding craft that operate at a hundredth of those parameters. But still, you may have also had the experience of rising before the sun and making your way to the balloon launch site to find… no balloons and no explanation why. The sky is clear, the sun is bright, and winds are dead calm. So what gives? What gives is that ballooning requires not only knowing what the weather is at launch time, but what it is likely to be later, perhaps even hours later. The individuals responsible for deciding whether or not to launch check the weather in every direction to make certain that there are no weather patterns that could cause problems after the balloons are in
the air. The primary concerns are wind speed at various altitudes, and moisture. The material that forms the hotair-holding canopy of the craft is rip-stop nylon, but it can mold and mildew if it gets wet and doesn’t have the chance to completely dry before the balloon is packed and stored. Winds beyond three or four miles per hour are also problematic for balloon pilots, since the craft move inexorably with them. Once aloft, it’s important for pilots to be able to depend on the wind velocity staying relatively stable. Meteorological information is gathered from every point of the compass before the launch decision is made. The good news is that weather hardly ever prevents the balloons from flying in Prosser. Some attribute that to the microclimate that is created by the proximity of the Horse Heaven Hills to the Prosser Airport launch site. But whatever the reason, even if one day isn’t suitable, one or two of the three-day event are almost always ideal for early morning and, often, late afternoon flights of the colorful, stately craft. So, despite the ubiquitous caveat, the weather at the Prosser Balloon Rally is nearly always permitting.
Farmers Can Warn Off Landing Balloon Pilots Farmers who do not want the Hot Air Balloons of The Great Prosser Balloon Rally to land in their fields may send a “Please don’t land here,” message by calling Nikki Norby at (509) 713-2732 or by emailing her at nikki@prosserballoonrally.org. These areas will be designated as “OFF LIMITS” for landing on a map given to each balloon pilot. Although most animals do not react to the quietly drifting hot air balloons, horses and big birds, such as emus and rheas, tend to react badly. The Balloonmeister suggests that persons who have horses my wish to place
them in stalls. Farmers and home owners who invite the balloon pilots in the Rally to land in their fields are asked to place a white sheet or bedspread in their fields. The white is visible from the air. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally schedule is: Morning Launches on Friday, Sept. 27; Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29. Weather Permitting. Any questions about The Great Prosser Balloon Rally may be addressed to the Rally Chairman, Morgan Everett at (509) 781-0157.
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Balloons Flying & Warn Off Landing · Page 17
Top 10 Balloon Festivals in the U.S.A.
2019 Albuquerque Balloon Festival - New Mexico The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, takes place in October each year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The nine-day long Balloon Fiesta has over 500 participating balloons each year. The Balloon Glow is a Magical Sight! The finale for many of these balloon festivals is the “night glow” or “balloon glow” event. At predetermined signals, the pilots blast the propane burners, releasing a burst of fire into the balloon. The balloons “glow” like huge fireflies or Chinese lanterns, often accompanied by fireworks … it is a truly magical sight.
a great live music event all rolled into one. Past performances by Trace Adkins, David Lee Roth, and The Doobie Brothers, have attracted many to this event.
Quick Chek Balloon Festival - New Jersey The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America! It is a premiere family entertainment attraction in New Jersey. With twice a day mass ascensions of up to 100 special shape and sport hot air balloons, to headlining music concerts and non-stop family entertainment. For sheer variety of activities this is definitely one of the best! With hundreds of crafters and vendors, great food, a spectacular firework show, and evening balloon glow this festival is jam-packed!
Teton Valley Balloon Rally - Idaho Independence Day special, head down to Idaho, U.S.A. Make your way to the picturesque setting of Teton Valley, sit back relax and watch the sky be filled with a colorful shower of balloons. The Teton Valley Balloon Rally is a non-profit organization, committed to keeping the magic of ballooning alive in the years to come. The traditional event, now in its 39th year, features several mornings of group hot air balloon launches from the Teton County Fairgrounds in Driggs.
Great Reno Balloon Race – Nevada The Great Reno Balloon Race came from humble beginning in 1982 with just 20 balloons, now showcasing 115 balloons and attracting an average of 120,000 spectators each year. This makes the great Reno balloon race, the largest free hot air ballooning event in the entire world! The Dawn Patrol is a classic event, but make sure your up before sunrise to catch it! Several balloons head into the dark morning sky to check the weather conditions and signal the start after the festival . After the great “Mass Ascension” begins from Rancho San Rafael Park. During three days event you will see the Reno skies filled with a colorful rainbow of hot air balloons. Freedom Aloft Weekend – South Carolina If you fancy some excitement next Memorial Day weekend head down to South Carolina, you won’t be disappointed. Expect to see hundreds of balloons and
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off - Colorado The perfect start to a Labor Day weekend, watch more than 70 hot air ballon glide over Memorial Park. Started over 40 years ago, Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off offers a large variety of events and entertainment, From a skilled chainsaw carving contest to a doughnut eating championship! For those aeronautic enthusiasts out there spot the adrenaline packed sky diving demos!
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic – California The event is typically held on a Saturday and Sunday, and both days get going early – really early! At 5 a.m., when the pre-dawn morning is clinging to its last bit of darkness, a few brightly-lit balloons will rise majestically into the air. Within moments, almost as if the balloons made it happen, the first hints of sunlight will begin to color the landscape. Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival – California Wine and ballooning? Yes its great if your a passenger! There is no better place then Temecula valley, sample the local wines soak up the lush southern California weather and enjoy a whole host of ballooning fun! For the kids, the TVBWF includes rides, inflatables, pony rides, face painting and even a petting zoo! Kidfriendly food like hot dogs, pizza and ice cream will be available for hungry little ones. National Balloon Classic – Iowa This family fun and friendly event has a kid land to keep the little ones entertained and live music to give a great atmosphere to the entire event. Check out there great Dawn Patrols and evening Glows. Other great shows include skydiving and even a pilots competition! Watch as the skilled pilots compete for points and prizes every morning and every evening while dazzling guests below. 100+ colorful hot air balloons + 9 Days of an Iowa Summer! = One hell of an event! Watch as the canvas of the Iowa sky is filled with a colorful fleet of eclectic shapes. Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair – Arizona This is a jam-packed event with a mass ascension and tethered balloon rides to start. When thats over head to the “Walk in” Balloon to get a feel of what it’s like to be inside vast material. Look over head and you will see captivating Air shows in the Skys above. For kids, Carnival rides, creative balloons and a fire service display is set to keep them entertained. If your a car enthusiasts there is even an impressive classic car show. After a fun and busy day relax in the evening and watch the luminous balloon glow show.
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2019 Balloon meister ~ Tim Gale
What is a Balloon Meister? The Balloon Meister is in charge and coordinates all of the Balloon Activity at a Balloon Festival. A Balloon Meister also makes sure that all Balloon Pilots meet all FAA requirements. You need to be an FAA certified pilot and then you can branch off to your specific style of aircraft. Balloon Meisters must monitor and follow all weather activity, including wind. Weather plays a primary role in the launching of balloons and lots of effort and work goes into each launch at a festival. While everyone is out on the field getting ready to enjoy some balloon launches, the Balloon Meister is
verifying the safety of everyone and monitors all activity through the launches. Here’s our Balloon Meister for The Great Prosser Balloon Rally: Tim Gale
Crew Posts No Pets Please
Please be aware that pets are not allowed on the airport field during rally weekend. Pets are also not allowed in Art Fiker Stadium for the Night Glow Show. Dogs can sometimes become irritated at the high frequency sounds that may be emitted from the propane burners used to heat the air in the balloons. This is not only painful for the dogs but can be dangerous if a dog that is in pain is
inadvertently provoked by another dog or a child. There have also been problems in the past of dogs “marking their territory.” Unfortunately the territory marked were balloons in the process of being inflated. So for the comfort of your pet, the safety of our spectators, and to keep the balloons as clean as possible. Please DO NOT bring your pets to the Balloon Rally events.
No DRONES!!!!
Please be aware that drones are not allowed near the Balloons during rally weekend - this is for the safety of all involved. ABSOLUTELY NO DRONES!
We need crew members for this - 29 at the sunrise launches. weekend! It is on a first come, first serve Are you interested in helping to crew basis, so get ahold of us soon! a balloon for one of our pilots? We are looking for crew members, or people who are willing to help and able to follow the directions of our pilots. No experience needed! If you are interested, you can email us at nikki@ prosserballoonrally.org or give us a call (509) 713-2732. We need crew for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27
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Rally Information · Page 19