The second annual Northwest Georgia Balloon Festival set for May 15-17 at Tillotson Field on Georgia State Highway 48 in Menlo will feature the world’s tallest hot air ballon and 12 others flying fives times during the weekend.
The Engerizer Bunny is 166 feet tall when inflated and her ears alone are 60 feet high. Her blue flip-flops are size 98 EEEEE and she weighs 1,170 pounds. Her drum is 45 feet in diameter and 20 feet wide and powder puff tail is 20 feet in diameter.
“The Energizer Bunny adds a different wow factor to the festival. She is huge and very pink. The Bunny makes my balloon, the Purple People Eater, look small! Seeing her is something you will not forget. We’re excited to have her joining us,” said John Cavin, Menlo native and festival ballon master.
There are five different flights scheduled this year. If the weather cooperates, balloons will fly at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The first flight is planned for 6 p.m. Friday.
Organizer Gail Wilbanks warns that weather free of rain or storms doesn’t mean it’s balloon weather. Because the massive balloons have limited means to steer, the winds high off the ground must be at their calmest. This occurs just after sunrise and just before dusk.
The festival will also feature a full carnival with rides, food, live music and more than 70 craft vendors.
“That’s just how many we have right now. They’re still coming in,” said Wilbanks.
She also said those in attendance will have the chance to ride in a teetered ballon, as well as walk into the canopy of an inflated ballon to get a feel for the size of it. A ballon will be inflated on the ground with cooler air so that it doesn’t fly away.
Cavin’s world famous Purple People Eater ballon will be featured again this year. The bug-eyed, big-eared, six-armed ballon is a fan favorite.
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