CNA-SS-09-17-2015

38th annual southwest Iowa

HOT AIR BALLOON DAYS September 18-20, 2015 Creston, Iowa

A special supplement to the

Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015

Welcome to Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days ROGER LANNING

SW Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee Chairperson

As the weather changes and the leaves turn, it only means one thing: Balloon Days is here, and it is a time for our community to come together and enjoy the festivities the weekend of Sept.

18–20.

I would like to personally invite each of you to partake in the activities of the 38th annual Southwest Iowa Balloon Days in Creston. There are so many things to do, it is hard to name them all in this letter. Please refer to the Balloon Days schedule on page 3 of this section.

A great kickoff to the weekend is the Pork Chop Dinner tonight at McKinley Park. The Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary service clubs come together and provide a spectacular meal that can either be eaten at the park or taken to go.

The balloon pilots with their families and friends will start arriving Friday afternoon to Lanning check in at the Elks Lodge. The Creston Panthers have a home football game this year, so if the winds are in the right direction and the weather cooperates, the balloons will attempt to fly over Panther Field.

Saturday is packed full of activities, with balloon races in the morning and evening, night glow, a parade featuring many bands, a pedal pull, pet show, book sale, flea market, 5K run and the list goes on. Sunday morning features one additional balloon flight. The airport is a great venue to watch the balloons, with food vendors

Family flying

By BAILEY POOLMAN

CNA staff reporter bpoolman@crestonnews.com

DAVENPORT — Carolanne Walter grew up around hot air balloons, and because of that she will be flying her first solo compe-

Balloonmeister: Jim Gebhart of Indianola No. of balloons: 33 Weatherman: Brad Temeyer Announcer: Blair Brody Flight conditions: On Twitter, follow Kelsey Haugen (@reporter_haugen) for information on whether balloons will fly.

available and parking for only $1.

This is a great weekend for family and friends to get together and celebrate, another reason why Creston is a great community to live in.

Please welcome our balloonists and other out-of-town guests as they arrive and enjoy all the fun during Balloon Days weekend.

A big shout out to Peggy and Ellen at the Creston Chamber of Commerce and

also to all of the volunteers who dedicate their time and talents. It is really appreciated. Please thank them if you see them during the weekend.

A thank you also goes out to all of the business sponsors in our community. Without you this event could not happen.

Balloon Pilot

Sponsored by

Brad Temeyer

Plumbing, Heating, & A/C, LLC Serving Southwest Iowa for 17 Years and Family Owned & Operated.

211 S. Elm | Creston

Davenport woman follows in father’s footsteps at Southwest Iowa Balloon Days.

■

tition in Creston.

Walter, 27, is formerly of Indianola, where the N a t i o n a l Walter Balloon Classic occurs each summer,

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THIS YEAR ...

Balloon Pilot

Jon Shelton

and her sister Amy Craig and father Jim Norris each got their flying license in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

“I grew up with it. My sister and my dad both have their licenses, and since I grew up in Indianola, I kind of grew up in the ballooning community,” Walter said. “I

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don’t even remember going to the Classic or going to any events until my sister Amy got her license when I was probably 12 or 13. She and my dad bought the balloon I’m flying now.”

Please see WALTER, Page 4

Balloon Pilot

Matthew Grote

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1st Annual

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Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015— Page 3c

38 Annual Hot Air Balloon Days th

September 18, 19 & 20, 2015 • Creston, Iowa

2015 Balloon Sponsors

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

(Subject to Change) (Balloon Flights are subject to weather conditions) (* Indicates the event is sponsored by the Hot Air Balloon Committee)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Pork Chop Dinner, McKinley Park ...........................................4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

*Fun Flight ......................................................................................... 5:00 p.m.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, Collectors Nights, Trinity Luthern Church. ......................................3-7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

*Balloon Race ......................................................................6:30 a.m. – Airport *Food Stands...................................................6 a.m. -? - Airport/and Uptown *Flea Market ................................................8 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Uptown – Depot YMCA 5K Balloon Days Walk/Run ..........................8:00 a.m. - McKinley Park Caboose Open ........................................................... 9 a.m. - Noon - Uptown Creston Model Railroaders ......................................... 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Depot *Craft Fair ................................................... 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Uptown – Depot Presidential Doll Display ......................................................... All Day – Depot Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, Trinity Luthern Church. ........................................................ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. *Parade - Marching Bands, Balloonists and more ..........10:30 a.m. – Uptown Creston Hot Air Balloon Days Show & Shine Car Show, Kilgores RV, 601 Sheldon ............Noon - 4 p.m.

Historical Complex Open ..........................1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - McKinley Park *Pet Show .......................................................................... 2:00 p.m. – Airport *Pedal Pull ......................................................................... 2:30 p.m. – Airport *Balloon Race ..................................................................... 4:30 p.m. – Airport *Night Glow .............................................................................. Dusk – Airport

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

*Balloon Race ..................................................................... 6:30 a.m. – Airport *Food Stands................................................................... 6 - 10 a.m. – Airport

Come Join in the Fun! PARKING

At the airport south of Creston on Cherry Street. $1 per vehicle each time

Action Photo Agriland FS American Legion Post #70 Bunn-O-Matic Creston News Advertiser Creston Radio Creston Super Eight Motel Crop Production Services, Inc. Farm Bureau Financial Services Farmers Cooperative Company Fastenow Family Ferrara Candy Company First National Bank Gavilon Grain LLC Grapevine Staffing Green Valley Pest & Lawn Care

CRESTON Hot Air Balloon Days Official Sweatshirts, T-Shirts & Pins

Hometown Insurance Hy-Vee Iowa State Savings Bank J & J Plumbing & Heating Mr. Clean Carpet Care O’Riley Trucking Phil Price Construction PCSB Bank Pokorny BP & Automotive Service Powers Funeral Home R. E. Lewis Refrigeration Southwest Distributing Stalker Chevrolet Supertel Inn and Conference Center Walmart Winterstien Construction

Shirt Color - Ash Adult T-Shirts S-XL-$13 • XXL-$14 • XXXL-$15 Adult Sweatshirts S-XL-$20 • XXL-$21 • XXXL-$22 Balloon Pin - $5 Proceeds going to: Balloon Days Activities and Creston FFA

Available at… Creston Chamber of Commerce, 208 W. Taylor • 782-7021

Hot Air Balloon Committee • P.O. Box 471, Creston, Iowa 50801 (641) 782-7021 www.crestoniowachamber.com

Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015

WALTER: Continued from Page 2C

After her sister and father purchased the balloon and both got their flying licenses, Walter would help crew for both of them, as well as go up with them in the clean Iowa air.

“I loved riding with him (her father), and I probably rode with him the most out of my siblings besides Amy,” Walter said. “I think probably the best memory would be, growing up with ballooning, we got to spend a lot of time together as a family.”

Norris quit flying in 2008, when he had to have ankle surgery, after participating in the Creston Balloon Days competition for four or five years. Now, Walter is following in her father’s footsteps and doing her first competition Sept. 18-20.

Walter attended Iowa State University in Ames, where she earned a degree

in civil engineering. She currently lives in Davenport with her husband, and in 2014 she started her flying instruction.

“I started my flying instruction in August of 2014,” Walter said. “I just wasn’t quite comfortable, so in 2015 I put in seven more hours before I did my solo. So I’ve been flying for over a year, I just didn’t get all my hours in and get quite comfortable until August of this year.”

Walter’s brother-in-law Brad Craig, who with his wife Amy will be flying during the Creston Balloon Days, helped with instruction and was present when Walter did her first solo flight.

“It was interesting. It was probably a little over a month ago, like August 15, I think. I’d been flying with Brad,” Walter said.

“Friday evening we were setting up. We got the

balloon inflated and he wasn’t getting in the basket. It kind of clicked with me. I said, ‘You aren’t going with me,’ and he said, ‘Nope. See you later.’ ...

I’m kind of glad because I think if I’d known about it earlier, I would have been nervous.”

Walter flew in the Indianola Balloon Classic in 2014 and 2015, as well as the Great Pershing Balloon Derby in Brookfield, Mo., this past Labor Day weekend. All three times she had someone flying with her, but not this time.

“My dad, that (Creston Balloon Days) was one of his favorite competitions. I think that was partly cause of the proximity of Indianola, and he had really good sponsors,” Walter said. “He always enjoyed Creston, and I’ve always heard good things about it. I’m excited to try a new competition.”

Since this is her first competition by herself, Walter said she is excited to rely on herself and see how she does.

“I’m really excited. This is technically my first competition. It is by myself, so I’m really excited to rely on my own judgment to strategize for tasks and be a part of the competition itself,” Walter said. “It’s going to be kind of all new to me, but I think it’ll be a good time. ... I have a lot of support, but it’ll be good to kick off my own ballooning career by myself.”

IN Iowa THE PHOTO State Savings Bank Logo Ads Carolanne Walter and her father Jim Norris smile for the camera during takeoff for a flight in 2008. Walter took ground school that year at the balloon port in Carlisle and began pursuing her balloon license.

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Balloon Pilot

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Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015 — Page 5c

Meet the pilots: Why do you come back each year?

The Windrow for food and the sports bar. We also connect with the Stephens family and ride horses with them.

We live in the city, so it’s nice to get that opportunity to ride at least once a year.

Name: Terry McGonegle Age: 58 Hometown: Norwalk Number of years coming to Creston: 31 Balloon you’ll be bringing: Sunburst, a traditional 65,000-cubic-foot balloon with yellow, black, orange and red spiral coloring. (pictured below) What brings you back each year? When the weather is nice, Creston is one of the most competitive and pretty flying areas because of the pastures and open countryside. We’ve also had some great sponsors over the years. Creston is our favorite race of the year because of all the people we get to connect with when we are in town.

Favorite activity here when not ballooning? My wife Geri (pictured above) loves getting us ready for the parade. We always hit up

Name: Matthew Grote Age: 35 Hometown: Omaha, Neb. Number of years piloting in Creston: 10 Balloon you’ll be bringing: Jester Unwindz, a traditional 90,000-cubic-foot balloon with yellow, black, purple and white twisting colors.

What brings you back each year? I do about four balloon events each year. I look at Creston as the last rally of the year before winter hibernation. It’s always good to chit-chat with old friends, it’s well-organized and who can argue with being part of a parade?

Favorite activity here when not ballooning? I like to pester Blair Brody, the announcer at the airport.

It’s fun to jump on the microphone with him. I think I’m more a hindrance than a help, though. It’s always good seeing him. He’s one of the big reasons I come to Creston. I always hit up A&G Steakhouse on main street, too, and get a slab of meat. They do a good steak.

---------------------------------Name: Bret Wiltse Age: 35 Hometown: Storm Lake Number of years coming to Creston: 17 Balloon you’ll be bringing: Mr. Wizzard, a traditional 77,000-cubic-foot balloon with rainbow coloring.

What brings you back each year? I have the best sponsor out there (Sue Dunphy). I

enjoy the flying in Creston, but even more I enjoy the people. They’re so easygoing.

Favorite activity here when not ballooning? We’ve become really good friends with the Dunphys. My wife

Enjoy the celebration...

Lobby Hours

Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Drive-Up Hours

Mon - Thurs 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon 24-Hour ATM

602 Sheldon • Suite A • Creston • 641-782-7820

B

and I have had a chance to see their kids grow up. We hang out at their place and catch up during down time.

This is the one rally I won’t miss. I love coming to see all the people in Creston.

ing: Jagged Edge, a new 77,000-cubic-foot racer balloon with pink, black and white coloring.

What brings you back each year? I’ve enjoyed the friendship with my sponsors. Creston’s a great place to fly. I’m looking forward to a pleasant weekend with lots of flying.

-----------------------------Name: Mike Reinert Age: 63 Hometown: Alta Number of years piloting in Creston: About 15 years Balloon you’ll be bring-

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Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015

Past winners of SW Iowa balloon competition 2014

Gary Fouche

No competitive races, too windy

1999

1. Jim Thompson 2. Todd Netiey 3. Chuck Schrader 4. Gary Fouche 5.

Dave Edmister

2013 1. Matt Fenster, Bel-

levue, Neb. 2. Brad Craig, Carlisle 3. Todd Isley, Carlisle

1998

2012 1. Grant Pfeifer

1. Ralph Rieck 2.

Rob Bartholomew 3. Dan Corbin 4. Norm Fee 5. Matt Fenster

2011

1997 1.

2010

1996

2.

Brad Craig 3. Scott Armstrong 4. Terry McGonegle 5. Todd Isley

Gordon Acuff 2.

Ralph Rieck 3. Richard Jaworski 4. Terry McGonegle 5. Mike Hadley

No competitive races because of cold, wind and rain.

No competitive races because of cold, wind and rain

1. Dave Edmister 2.Terry McGonegle 3.

Ralph Rieck 4. Mike Hadley 5. Dick Drake

2009

1. Jon Shelton 2.

Cory Bloom 3. John Jensen 4. Bill Clemons 5. Jeremy Rubin

Craig 3. Bret Wiltse 4. Ryan Kintzel 5. Bill Clemons

2008

2006 No races, wind and

1. Dale Dommer 2.

Brett Wiltse 3. Cory Bloom 4. Al Appenzeller 5. Gary Foutch

2007

1.Todd Isley 2. Brad

weather

2005 1. Rob Bartholomew

2.Todd Isley 3. Scott Armstrong 4, Chris Reinert 5.

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Ryan Kinzel

2004 No races, too windy 2003 1. Christine Bertsch 2. Brett Christian 3. Rob Bartholomew 4. Brad Craig

2002

1. Gary Fouche 2.

Benji Clemons 3. Mike Had ley 4. Rob Bartholomew

2001 Canceled by Federal Aviation Administration

2000

1. Maury Petrehn 2. Richard Schick 3. Mike Hadley 4. Mark Covey 5.

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Pokorny BP

Balloon Pilot

Terry McGonegle

1995

1. Mike Hadley 2. Chuck Schrader 3. Jim Fromm 4. Gary Miklus 5.

Pete Stmants

1994 1. Bill Griffin 2. Paul Randleman 3. Dick Drake 4. Karin Wohler 5. Dave Edmister

1993 out

No awards, rained

1992 1. Jim Thompson 2.

Kevin Mart 3. Gary Cass

1991 1. Gary Cass 2. Jim Thompson 3. Denny Cox 4. Henry Schick 5. Karin Wohler 1990 1. Jerry Riley 2. Peg-

gy Ogland 3. Dick Drake 4. Gary Fouche 5. Steve Hoover

1989

1. John Johnson 2.

Brian Bennett 3. Denny Cox 4. Charlie Cook

1988

1. Denny Cox 2.

Dave Edmister 3. Jim Thompson

1987

1. Jim Thompson 2. Dave Simpson 3. Carol Sherman • Records before 1987 were not kept by the Creston News Advertiser.

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Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015— Page 7c

ISU student anticipates first SW Iowa Balloon competition

By IAN RICHARDSON CNA staff reporter

irichardson@crestonnews.com

The rush.

That’s 21-year-old Jerry Bolton’s favorite part of flying a hot air balloon.

“It’s a great experience that I wish everyone could experience at some point,” he said. “You’re pretty much floating through the air, so you don’t really notice that you’re going anywhere. You don’t notice the wind.”

This weekend, though, Bolton will be feeling more than the normal rush as he enter his first career competition at Southwest Iowa Balloon Days in Creston.

Jerry is the son of Ken Bolton, who earned his balloon license in 2008 and has flown in several Balloon Days, including last year’s competition, as well as the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Race and Indianola National Balloon Classic.

It was while working on a crew with his father over a decade ago in Indianola that Jerry took his first balloon ride. He would go on to complete the Balloons Over Iowa Club’s ground school at age 14.

Jerry earned his license at 18, balancing his interest in ballooning with a full plate of high school activities. Now, as a senior studying construction engineering at Iowa State University, Bolton does most of his flying when he comes back home for the summers.

He and his father share their two balloons, the

56,000-cubic-foot “Turn It Up” and 77,000-cubic-foot “Fired Up,” at their home in Carlisle.

Jerry will be flying “Turn It Up” in this weekend’s competition. Ken will be part of Jerry’s crew, along with a few of Jerry’s friends.

“It makes it fun because I like to crew as much as I like to fly,” Ken said.

“That’s the fun part of it — the social aspect of it — having the excitement of going out, doing it and then hanging out together afterwards.”

Jerry said while there are a few young balloon pilots around, not many are his age.

“Around the Iowa area there’s probably only a handful of us,” he said.

“You don’t meet too many young people doing it.”

Ken said there’s always desire to get more young pilots like Jerry into the sport.

“There’s just not as many as there used to be,” he said. “They’re trying to recruit newer pilots, younger pilots.”

But while Jerry may be younger than most out there this weekend, don’t ask him if he’s nervous.

With several years of crewing and piloting already

under his belt, he said he isn’t intimidated.

“I’ve done it enough that it’s kind of natural,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’ll be a fun time.”

IN THE PHOTO:

Jerry Bolton, right, and Ken Bolton, left, stand in the balloon “Fired Up” in Indianola.

(Contributed photo)

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reston

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Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Thursday, September 17, 2015

Scenes from Southwest Iowa Balloon Days The sun shines on this red, white and blue hot air balloon at the Southwest Iowa Balloon Days in 2013. This balloon, as well as more than 40 others, flew that year.

A balloon piloted by Darcy Hoch of Milo flies across the sunset at Creston Municipal Airport during a prior Balloon Days event.

Ricky Almaguer, left, and Janelle Gibler with Southwest Valley High School band march during the 37th annual Balloon Days parade in uptown Creston last year.

Ranae Klinkefus, left, and Megan Warin jog toward the finish line while competing in the Balloon Days 5K hosted by the Southern Prairie YMCA last year.

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Anniversary Event!

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Thurs., Sept. 17th Fri., Sept. 18th Sat., Sept. 19th

Balloonists: Help us celebrate 1 year!

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Jamie Travis - Agent/Broker • 501 East Taylor • Creston Office 641-782-4626 • Cell 641-344-6228 jtravis@hometowninsurance.biz

Thurs. & Fri. 11:00am - 7:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm