Up, Up and Away... Family business takes to the skies in hot-air balloon

Claire and Tony Colburn's relationship has always flown high.

They met in 1992 when Claire piloted Tony's first-ever flight in a hot-air balloon at a rally in Siskiyou, Calif.

They married two years later. (Claire Colburn tossed the bouquet from a balloon.)

In 2003, they moved to Tobaccoville, where they run Yadkin Valley Balloon Adventures with the help of their children, Elise, 8, and Avery, who turns 14 today.

Tony and Claire are FAA certified balloonists. They offer rides year-round in their 90,000 cubic-foot balloon, Dream Chaser.

The balloon, which was made in Statesville, is large enough to hold 90,000 basketballs.

Many of their flights take off from RagApple Lassie Winery in Boonville. Flights typically launch in the early morning and late evening hours when the winds are calm because the balloonist can't control the balloon's course.

Tony pilots most of the flights these days, while Claire, the children and other helpers chase the balloon in the family's sticker-covered van. The crew stays in radio contact with Tony and watches the skies, following the balloon as the wind carries it.

"You just have to basically take what the weather gives you on that day and make your flight work," Tony said.

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Welcome to Up Up and Away

Fly in Christchurch / Canterbury, New Zealand with one of the world's most experienced ballooning companies.

Canterbury's geography and climate are ideal for ballooning, they provide a unique situation where passengers can experience Canterbury's landscape as only a few have seen it from a gently floating hot air balloon.

.......'There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of the city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snow-capped mountains'..................

Balloon Adventures Up Up and Away Ltd can provide courtesy transfers from all Hotels, Motels, Hostels and B&B's in Central Christchurch.

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Grounded in balloon knowledge

Eye on Ellis County
Neal White

Wind conditions permitting, the skies over Waxahachie will be filled with scores of spectacular balloons this morning and later this evening as the DFW Summer Balloon Classic wraps up tonight at Mid-Way Regional Airport.

It is absolutely a “must see” event for the entire family — and a great Father’s Day outing for those looking for a special treat for dad.

In addition to the incredible balloons (with ballooning events set for early this morning and near sunset this evening), there is a full day of aviation activities throughout the day with an air show, precision flying demonstration, skydiving exhibition, Commemorative Air Force flyover and a number of static displays on hand.

Admission is free, but there is a $10 per vehicle charge for parking.

Two days with Captain Phil

On Friday and Saturday morning, I had an opportunity to hook up with Captain Philip Bryant with the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon team.

Although our flight was grounded both mornings due to windy conditions, Captain Phil and his crew took the time to explain the sport of ballooning — and why it’s such a popular sport with both fans and participants.

In addition to being a licensed hot air balloon pilot, he also holds an advanced ground instructor rating and is an FAA designated pilot examiner — meaning if you want to become a hot air balloon pilot in Texas, odds are he’s the guy with whom you’ll have to prove you’re worthy.

For those interested in becoming a hot air balloon pilot, Bryant said the requirements are very similar to those to become a private pilot in a fixed wing aircraft. You must pass a written test on standard aviation knowledge, have a minimum of 20 hours of flight time for a private pilot, 40 hours for a commercial pilot and pass the flight check and oral examination.

From 2003-2005, he served as president of the Balloon Federation of America and, in 2005, Bryant was honored by being named Texas Balloon State Champion — a title he still holds.

Commercial balloon pilots

If you get a chance to see one of the balloon launches scheduled for today (called a mass ascension flight), you’ll notice immediately that many of the balloons bear the logos of their corporate sponsorship.

In some cases, such as the Energizer Hot Hare Balloon at this year’s show (that’s 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty), the balloon itself is shaped to fit the needs of the corporate sponsor.

“That’s one of the many neat things about hot air ballooning. You can sew the balloon into just about any shape you want — it just depends on how creative you want to be and how much money you want to spend,” Bryant explained, noting it’s possible to purchase a hot air balloon, basket and equipment for as little as $10,000.

“That’s the low side and that doesn’t include your chase vehicle and trailer.”

He said most non-commercial balloon outfits cost between $30,000-$50,000, which is still a very inexpensive form of aviation.

But back to the commercial side of hot air ballooning, which Bryant is well versed in as the pilot of the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon. He and his crew travel throughout the state of Texas to participate in air shows and special events on behalf of the Propane Council of Texas.

Bryant said a lot of industries use ballooning as a means to advertise their products and services. With crowds of thousands of fans who attend balloon festivals (and those who see the balloons flying overhead), Bryant said balloons are an extremely effective means of advertising.

“When people see a balloon they remember it. It makes an impact,” he said.

In addition to flying overhead with the corporate logo, commercial hot air balloon teams also serve as goodwill ambassadors while on the ground.

After spending Friday and Saturday morning with Captain Phil and his crew while waiting for a break in the wind, I now know more about propane and propane accessories than Hank Hill.

While you may know that propane is the fuel used to generate the hot air that provides lift for all hot air balloons, you may not know that propane may be used to provide the fuel source for just about any energy need we have.

“It’s possible to use propane for our vehicles, to produce electricity for our homes. It’s not only cleaner and better for the environment, it’s also in abundant supply here in Texas. Propane has a lot more uses than just heating your barbecue in the backyard,” Bryant said.

Commercial pilots also include those who offer balloon rides at venues throughout the world.

As Bryant explained, the opportunities are endless.

Some balloonists offer short rides (usually ranging from $225-$250) per flight while others offer special packages tailored for individuals.

“I have friends who offer special sunrise flights in New Mexico that’s just incredible. I also have a friend that has a special basket that can take 10 people with a full dinner table. He’s based in the wine region in France and takes up groups over the vineyards with dinner and Champagne — of course, that flight is $6,000. It all depends on what you want and where you’re at. There are so many options when it comes to operating your balloon as a business.”

At the mercy of the wind

For all the folks who came out Saturday morning hot to see the sunrise launch, the reason it was scrubbed was due to the wind gusts.

As Bryant explained it, safety is paramount when it comes to aviation and hot air ballooning is no exception. When the wind is gusting at speeds greater than 12 knots, it’s too dangerous for the balloons and their crews to safely launch and land.

“The important thing is for everyone to stay safe,” he said. “We all want to fly. We love being here and we love talking to people about our balloons, but when the wind is gusting more than 15 knots like it is now (on Saturday morning at 6 a.m.), it’s too dangerous and we don’t want to take any chances of someone getting hurt. We’ve been monitoring the weather nonstop and it looks like (Saturday afternoon) and all day Sunday will be perfect for flying.”

Pilot competition

Whether a hobby balloonist or a commercial balloonist, there is also a competitive side to hot air ballooning as the pilots gather throughout the year to take part in competitions, like the one that’s scheduled for 7 this morning.

In the competition, pilots test their skills by trying to drop a bean bag on a pre-selected target.

While it sounds easy, keep in mind that once a balloon is airborne, it only goes where the wind blows. Pilots must use their skill in gauging wind speed and direction in being able to put their balloon over the target.

“It gets very competitive,” Bryant said, noting that some of the competitions offer prize money for the winning pilots. “The prize money is secondary. For every pilot out here, it’s a matter of pride to win the competition and these folks really get into it.”

While Bryant, based out of Houston, has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his 575 hours (and rising) of being a commercial hot air balloon pilot, he said the best part is meeting the people who come out to see the balloons.

“The kids especially. That’s what it’s all about when they see the balloons and run up to you with a million questions. I love that. I absolutely love helping people experience aviation through hot air ballooning.”

While there is a lot to see and do if you go out to Mid-Way Airport today, be sure you look up Captain Phil and his crew in the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon. If you’ve ever had a question about hot air ballooning (or propane), I can promise you he has the answer.

If you go

Mid-Way Regional Airport is located on U.S. Highway 287 between Midlothian and Waxahachie.

Gates open this morning at 5:45 a.m. with a mass ascension flight scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and a competition flight set to begin at 7 a.m.

The Aviation Extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with the MidWay To The Skies Airshow scheduled for 3 p.m., followed by the RE/MAX Skydiving Team demonstration at 5:30 p.m.

There will be another mass ascension hot air balloon flight at 6:30 p.m., with gates closing on the 2009 Summer Balloon Classic at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free to the event, but there is a $10 per vehicle charge for parking.

Concessions are available for purchase throughout the day.

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Hot-air balloons will rise again in festival near Midlothian

Festival features mass ascensions, contests, aerobatics

Star-Telegram
Aviation has long been a major part of North Texas, but the flying doesn’t typically involve balloons and propane.

But this weekend, 40 hot-air balloons are at the DFW Summer Balloon Classic at Midway Regional Airport, near Midlothian on U.S. 287.

"Balloons and fireworks are the two things that cross all ages and demographics — everyone likes them," said Debby Standefer, a veteran balloon pilot who organized the event.

At least twice a day, at sunrise and late evening, most of the balloons will go up at the same time in what is called a mass ascension.

About half the balloon pilots will compete this morning in target challenges, and the balloons will light up the sky tonight. Several aerobatic airplane teams will fly on Sunday afternoon in a mini air show.

The event is free, but parking is $10.

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Balloons, the blues and breathtaking views in hotpot hot spot

What's on?

Take flight at the Burnley Hot Air Balloon Festival (visitlancashire.com), from 31 July to 2 August, when the skies above the town will fill with hot-air balloons of different shapes and sizes. Head for Towneley Park to watch the mass launch and a special firework display titled "Nightglow".

Curtain's up in Lancaster this summer. Walkabout Theatre (dukes-lancaster.org), the UK's biggest open-air theatrical event of its kind, takes place in Williamson Park from 2 to 8 August. This year, audiences will be transported to ancient Greece for a fun take on the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.

Culinary canal cruises, pony-trekking picnics, and ale trails around the moors are among the events taking place as part of the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture (penninelancashirefestivals.com), from 17 August to 17 September.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Great British R&B Festival (blues festival.co.uk) takes place in Colne from 28 to 31 August. More than 1,000 artists will perform at the four-day event in venues throughout the town. Look out for the Busking Station, which the organisers have added this year, where up-and-coming and established artists are free to strut their stuff.

Finally, step out for the Pendle Walking Festival (pendle.gov.uk/ walking), from 5-13 September. More than 80 free guided walks will take place in some of the county's most beautiful landscapes.

See the sights

Check out Lancashire's latest attraction, Greenlands Farm Village (greenlands farmvillage.co.uk) near Carnforth. Learn about food and the environment at this working farm, featuring a butcher's, bakery, food and craft shops.

Meanwhile, Clitheroe Castle (lancashire.gov.uk) has just reopened to the public following a £3.2m refurbishment. The castle (left), built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy, has had its gardens spruced up and the keep restored.

Eat and drink your way around Lancashire on the Ribble Valley Food Trail (ribblevalleyfoodtrail.com), meeting the area's providers and suppliers along the way. Head for the coast to see how major regeneration projects along with new attractions and hotels are sprucing up the seaside towns of Southport, Morecambe and Blackpool for visitors.

Finally, explore the highlights of the area's dramatic countryside – the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill and the west Pennine Moor – by taking in the views through the new panopticon sculptures that have been erected at high points across the county, including The Atom at Wycoller Country Park, Colourfields at Burnley and Halo near Haslingden.

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The New iPhone 3G S, Tim Cook, Hot Air Balloons and The Orange Beach Community Website

June 19, 2009, Foley, AL (OBA) - What do the new iPhone 3G S, Tim Cook, Hot Air Balloons and The Orange Beach Community Website all have in common? Baldwin County.

With today's release of the new iPhone 3G S coinciding with the first day of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce's Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, and The Orange Beach Community Website being one of the first to acquire the new video capable iPhones, it was a great opportunity for The OBA Website to publish the first-ever video newscast using the new iPhone's built-in video capability.

Tim Cook is the acting CEO of Apple Computer, inventors of the iPhone, and he's from Robertsdale AL, located in Baldwin County.

How appropriate that the first ever iPhone video newscast should come from Baldwin County.

About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival:
The 5th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival kicked off this morning at 6:30am with perfect weather for taking to the air. Twelve balloon pilots flew in an unscheduled fun flight, leaving from Magnolia Springs and landing just east of the Foley Beach Express. Weather permitting, competition flights into the festival grounds will take place on Saturday and Sunday morning at around 6:00am. This is a sight you don't want to miss.

The festival, presented by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, has grown in popularity since its inception in 2005 and is now one of the premier Hot Air Balloon events in the country. This year, 45 balloons are registered coming from as far away as Nevada. Tether rides will be available each day from 7pm to 9pm.

The festival is held at the Foley Soccer Complex on Hwy. 98 W in Foley. In addition to the balloons, there are all kinds of festivities and entertainment for the whole family. The festival grounds will be open from 6am to 10pm with Arts & Crafts, food booths and live music to enjoy. The Children's Village will be open from 8am until 8pm each day with shows by Alligator Alley, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Disc-Connected K9s, the world famous Frisbee Dogs. Caboose Train Rides, Rock Wall Climb and Gyro Man Rides are also available.

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Hot air balloons fill sky with flair

Rising in front of a blue horizon, multi-colored balloons launched into the sky Saturday night over Kenny Anderson Park in Sioux Falls.

Almost 40 hot air balloons graced the scene as part of the 34th annual Great Plains Balloon Race put on by the Sioux Falls Ballooning Association.

"It's so awesome to see that many up in the air at one time," spectator Pat Wages said.

This year, balloonists from across the Midwest launched twice on Saturday, once after dawn and once around sunset. Both times, balloonists tossed bean bags from their balloons at a land target during a "hare-and-hound" contest.

"For me, it did not go well," balloon pilot John Bullock said of the morning's contest. "I missed the target by a bunch, but I saw it."

Bullock, of Wisconsin, said he enjoyed flying over the city during his first flights in the race as a pilot.

"It's very calm. You're moving with the wind, just floating along," Bullock said. "It's really quiet until you hit the burner."

The race's "balloonmeister," Bill Kullander, didn't have much better luck in the morning's contest. Because of variable winds, he decided to land in the lumber yard of a Menard's store instead of trying to win the hare-and-hound contest.

Still, the winds did not ruin a beautiful morning's flight, he said.

"It's a lot like you're standing on a platform and you're watching the world move along under you," Kullander said.

When they weren't taking pictures or cheering on such crowd favorites as the Uncle Sam balloon, spectators had the opportunity to walk inside a balloon half-inflated on the ground.

"Everyone loves it, especially the kids," Kullander said.

"People wander around in it, and kids bounce off the walls."

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Hot-air balloon crashes; 2 hurt

At least two people were injured Saturday evening in a hot-air balloon crash near the intersection of Highway S and Soda Creek Road in the town of Cassel, according to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department.

The Marathon Fire Department and Rib Mountain Ambulance were dispatched to the scene at about 8 p.m., and at least two people, including the balloon operator, were transported for treatment of injuries, said Sheriff's Lt. Randy Albert. The Sheriff's Department had not released the names of those involved as of Friday night.

According to the five people in the basket of the balloon, a strong gust of wind caused the operator to lose control of the balloon, which lost altitude and crashed, Albert said. After hitting the ground, the basket was dragged about 60 feet, and one passenger was ejected and fell under the basket, Albert said.

Those transported by ambulance reportedly suffered back and neck injuries, Albert said.

The Sheriff's Department has been in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, which likely will send a representative to investigate, Albert said.

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Balloon ride is a part of Albuquerque sweepstakes

In the new animated film "Up," a balloon salesman ties 1,000 helium-filled balloons to his house in search of adventure.

The plot inspired the country's ballooning capital, Albuquerque, N.M., to offer a high flying adventure of its own: a trip for two to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot air ballooning event, Oct. 3-11.

More than 600 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes take part in the annual festival, now in its 38th year.

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring the sweepstakes, where the prize includes two nights at Nativo Lodge (Oct. 5-7), admission to the fiesta, a balloon ride for two with Rainbow Ryders, a $200 Visa card you can use toward transportation costs, admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and a Flip camera to video your trip.

Go to itsatrip.org/balloonfiesta to enter the contest. For details about this year's festival, go to balloonfi esta.com. Information about Albuquerque can be found at itsatrip.org.

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Early risers rewarded at hot-air balloon festival

Dazzling hot air balloons dotted the sky over Windsor early Saturday as participants in the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic celebrated the event’s 20th year.

After thick fog had grounded the dozens of balloons gathered for the rally two years in a row, Saturday’s skies were clear enough for full lift-off.

“This has just turned out to be the best morning. Wake me up at 4:30 any day!” Santa Rosa resident Jessica Boldt, 24, said after her first balloon flight ever, which she took with a friend, Megan Buser, 25. “It was amazing. It was breathtaking.”

Hundreds of folks gathered as early as 4:30 and 5 a.m. to witness the Dawn Patrol, in which glowing balloons many stories high trail fire as they rise.

Illuminated like stained glass windows against the dark sky, they’re profoundly beautiful, said Josie Floyd, who rose at 3:30 a.m. to get her girls — Emily, 2, Abigail, 7, and Nicole, 14 — out the door in time.

The best part? “The children’s faces,” she said.

About 30 more balloons took to the skies beginning around 6:30 a.m. with sponsors and passengers on board, while tethered balloons were on site at Keiser Park all morning for a next-best-thing experience.

“It felt like it was pretty cool, and I didn’t want to go down,” 7-year-old Maxine Jones of Santa Rosa said after climbing from one of the tether rides. “But there was fire up there, so I changed my mind.”

“Also it’s floaty — like you were floating,” her friend Flor Castañeda, 6, of Windsor, said, employing the most common word used to describe the experience.

“It was wonderful,” said Santa Rosa resident Kathy Mattocks, who removed her oxygen supply long enough to climb board a tethered balloon for a few minutes. “I figured I’ll never have another chance.”

She will, though, on Sunday, the second day of the scheduled event, which runs from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Keiser Park, located on Windsor River Road behind Windsor High School.

“It’s the freedom of flight” that draws so many people to ballooning, Fresno pilot Dexter “Scorch” Coffman said. “It’s like a magic carpet ride. The world passes underneath you.

“It’s positive from the time you get up in the morning, and the memories last a lifetime.”

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Hot air balloon watching at the Festival of Balloons in Tigard June 19-20

The AllState Festival of Balloons in Tigard, Oregon June 19-21 is a great walking destination.

Get up early for a stroll to view the balloon launches, 5:45 AM - 6:15 AM weather permitting. The balloons are aloft for about an hour over southern Tigard and Tualatin. You can view that for free if your walking route takes you along the Tualatin River, except for areas of Cook Park that are gated for the event.

The evening Night Glow occurs at dusk, approximately 9 pm. Througout the day you can enjoy a carnival fun center, Rogue beer garden, music and pancake breakfast. An entry pass for all three days into the festival area is $5 purchased online or $7 at the gate.

Two volkssport year-round walks hosted by the Sherwood Merrywalkers will take you on great 6-mile walks where you can enjoy the balloon launch, with one taking you to the festival area. You will need to pick up the maps at least a day beforehand as they are located at businesses that don't open until after launch time.

The Three Cities - Three Parks Walk starts at the EI at Bridgeport Village, 7410 SW Bridgeport Rd., Tigard, OR, 97224. REI doesn't open until 10 am, so if you want to enjoy the balloon launch, pick up the map ahead of time. Ask at the customer service desk for the start box for the volkssport walk. It's a great walk along the Tualatin River, through Durham Park, Cook Park and over the new pedestrian bridge to Tualatin Community Park. It is possible that the path through Cook Park may be blocked by the festival organizers asking for admission, so this route is best done if you purchase admission or are prepared to turn around when encountering an admission gate.

The Hedges Creek Wetlands Walk starts at Fred Meyer, 19200 SW Martinazzi, Tualatin, OR 97062. The start box is located just past the grocery entrace, in the pharmacy waiting area. The photos in the slideshow were taken from a vantage point along this walk. It's a pleasant walk past the Tualatin Country Club, Hedges Creek Wetlands (on paved paths) and neighborhoods. This route doesn't visit the festival site and should not have any areas closed to walker access.

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Hot-air balloon lover loves job

Like many hot-air balloon enthusiasts, Andy Baird says the day he first rode in a balloon was the day he got hooked.

He was 13 at the time. It led him to intern for hot-air balloon manufacturer Cameron Balloons in England while he was in college.

In 1994, Baird returned to U.S.-based Cameron Balloons in Dexter. The balloon pilot, 45, bought the business a few years later.

Today, the company makes about 50 custom-made hot-air balloon aircraft a year. The small factory produces balloons from nearly start to finish - from hand-weaving the baskets to sewing together the colorful panels that create balloon envelopes that stand 70 feet tall when inflated.

The company made some balloons for the Super Bowl last year and a balloon in the shape of a hamburger for Burger King.

"There's a huge satisfaction in seeing them fly,'' Baird said. "Whether it's the NFL balloons flying over the Super Bowl, a special shape Mickey Mouse or a new pilot taking his fist solo, it's a great feeling.''

Residence: Stockbridge.

Family: Baird and his wife, Anne, have two children: Alan, 10, and Emily, 8.

His business: Hot-air balloon manufacturing.

Interesting fact most people don't know: "Probably that we're here at all. Most people don't realize that most of the balloons they see - from the colorful sport balloons to the magnificent shapes like the Disney Castle, are made right here in Dexter.''

Philosophy in business: "You have to trust people - your customers and your employees. Occasionally you will get burned, but it's rare, and in the meantime you can focus on the important stuff.''

Favorite place he's traveled: "Costa Rica stands out. Flying a balloon over the rain forest was spectacular - 'playing' in the tops of the trees with the howler monkeys and then electing not to 'dip' into the river - only to discover the huge crocodiles where I would have 'splashed.' ''

Piece of advice for someone starting their own business: "Choose something you love to do and figure out where the boundaries are between personal life and business life. If both can flourish, then jump in with both feet.''

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NEW INFO: FAA Takes Over Investigation into Hot Air Balloon Crash

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into an incident involving a hot air balloon that crashed into field Saturday night.

A Marathon County Sheriff's deputy says five people were onboard the balloon and all were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. One woman was airlifted.

The incident happened near the intersection of Soda Creek Road and County Highway S west of Marathon City at 8 p.m.

According to a Marathon County Sheriff’s Deputy, the pilot reported they took off during the good weather conditions, but sometime during their flight, a gust of wind hit the balloon. The pilot told authorities it could have been a 30-mile-per-hour gust.

That’s when the pilot attempted to land the balloon, but it was taken back up into the air by another gust of wind.

Authorities say when he finally got the balloon back on the ground again, a woman fell out and was dragged with it more than a hundred feet.

The man heading up the FAA's investigating said Sunday they are gathering information about the crash by phone. Peter Corrao said a decision will be made Monday whether to make a trip to the scene to investigate further.

Stay tuned for NewsChannel 7 and wsaw.com for the latest updates as they become available.

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Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Rides In The Heart Of Amish Country

Simplicity is romantic. Let simplicity help you fall in love with life again. Board your hot air balloon in Bird in Hand, and view the rural sites of Intercourse, New Holland, Strasburg, Ephrata, and the Reading skyline. Join us in a hot air balloon where two worlds collide in a harmonious blend of old and new. The Amish community of Lancaster County continues to live in old-world fashion shunning modern conveniences and opting instead for a simple life of farming, family and church. The countryside of Lancaster County is a life-like museum open everyday to passers by. To the west and south, views of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg, York, and the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay come into view.
Come aboard your hot air balloon to begin your day as the sun rises over the beautiful quilt patterned farmland. View the morning awakening of this unique community as they prepare their horses to work the fields and each family member attends to their chores. With horses racing beneath your hot air balloon and children chasing you barefoot in the fields you can’t help but smell the sweet aroma of Lancaster county’s fresh air. As your balloon ride comes to an end, prepare to meet many of the farmers as they run to help with the landing of your hot air balloon. Enjoy this timeless wonder from a divine view of a hot air balloon. Amish country is spectacular from a hot air balloon in every season.

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BALLOON RIDES: See Town Day from the sky

Winchester, MA - Look up in the sky. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon! To celebrate the town of Winchester’s Annual Town Day RE/MAX Leading Edge is offering balloon rides in the world famous RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon.

Rides will be offered for a suggested donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults. All proceeds will benefit the Winchester Hospital Breast Cancer Center. The RE/MAX Balloon will be located at Manchester Field. Tethered rides will be made available to the public from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., weather permitting.

RE/MAX Leading Edge will also be sponsoring a booth with information on breast cancer and how it is possible to support The Miracle Home Program of The Children’s Miracle Network team or the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure on Sept. 26. That evening to continue the festivities of Town Day, RE/MAX will also be sponsoring fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. at Manchester Field, 100 Mystic Valley Parkway.

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29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival

Fog kept balloons from flying this morning for the Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, but the good news is they have another day to try.

The festival, which takes place at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds, is in it's 29th year. It's now run by the city's chamber of commerce, but that wasn't always the case.

"Back in the early 80s, Coshocton Lumber, one of their owners was very interested in ballooning," said Jim Nelson, Co-Chair of the festival. "They did a promotion for the lumber company, where they had a local balloonist come in and fly out of their lumber yard. It was so well received that balloonist tried to get their friends involved, that type of thing."

Nelson says more people attend every year, and people from all walks of life.

"Moms and dads are out here and then there are grandmas and grandpas are here," he said. "They bring the kids because that gives them a special time to get out. They play the kids games, they love to listen to the entertainment."

Nelson says this is the longest running consecutive hot air balloon festival in the state. If you want to check out the next launch, you'll have to get up bright and early. The balloons will take off around 6 a.m. Sunday morning.

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Everything from jets to hot air balloons at Manitowoc County air show

MANITOWOC — From jet fighters’ ultra-loud wall of sound to the quiet of hot air balloons flying over farm fields, the air show at the county airport has something for almost everyone.

Brooke Walesh, 25, got up Saturday before dawn — “when the stars were still out” — hoping, she said to have the coolest experience of her life.

Walesh, and her boyfriend and hot air balloon buddy, Bill Stahl, had just that after lifting off at 6:30 a.m. and landing about 10 miles later in a field near Valders.
Hayden Brandt, 9, can’t take the flight of his dreams, yet. “I’d like to go up in an F-16 … it looks cool,” said the Two Rivers third-grader of the Air Force plane that costs some $30 million and can fly at twice the speed of sound, about 1,500 mph.

The 2009 edition of “Thunder on the Lakeshore” concludes today with the gates opening at 7 a.m. Admission is $5 per person, with children under age 10 free.

Performances are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. by everything from single-engine propeller plane stunt pilots to jet aerobatics to a motorcycle to airplane transfer to a jet truck going down the runway from zero to 300 mph in four seconds.

Cool winds, overcast skies and a light drizzle Saturday afternoon didn’t stop most of the aerial acts, enjoyed by adults and children, including Zoe Kolar, 7, of Baraboo.

She was another youngster who’d like to go roaring through the sky in a fighter jet. The first-grader does get to fly in her dad’s single-engine Cessna 172. “Sometimes I drive it,” she said.
Respects pilot's courage

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Williams is responsible for the communications and flight control systems of the F-16 Viper appearing at the air show, after arriving from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

He is part of the extensive squad supporting the plane flown by Major George “Dog” Clifford. All of them are on two-year assignments with one of the Air Force’s two demonstration teams.

“I respect their courage … not everybody is built to be a pilot,” Williams said. “We fix ‘em, but ultimately it’s in their hands.”

Capt. Brian Bann is the safety officer on the squad and a pilot. He said he respects the efforts of Williams and other engineers and mechanics for keeping the planes in prime condition.

It’s been more than a decade since a U.S. fighter pilot engaged an opponent in the sky, “but probably every pilot would like to get tangled up (in a dogfight) sometime during their career,” Bann said.

But, he said the reality of 21st century air warfare is that an air-to-air missile would probably be launched from 30 miles away if another country’s plane was up in the air with hostile intent.
Admires finesse flying

Rural county resident Don Kiel flew commercial jetliners for three decades, including flights from Detroit to London.

At Friday night’s V.I.P. show, Kiel was impressed with barnstorming pilot John Mohr as he performed loops, slow rolls and hammerheads in his 1943 bi-plane.

“You really have to have a feel for it,” said Kiel, who has a 1,000-foot strip in his backyard that he can take off and land his own single-engine plane following his retirement several years ago.

Missouri-based stunt pilot Kyle Franklin, 29, displayed his aerobatic skills Saturday, performing a routine where he had his single-engine plane skipping along low to the ground, dropping a wing within a few feet of earth.

On Friday, he flew about eight feet over a speeding motorcycle as his show partner, Andy Rosso, transferred from the back of the two-wheeler to a ladder hung out the door of the plane.

“Yes, it is inherently dangerous, but you take a risk crossing the street,” Franklin said nonchalantly.
Cows, deer stare at balloonists

Saturday afternoon — hours after getting out of the balloon’s basket — Walesh was still flying, figuratively.

“It was very silent except when the burners were on,” she said of the propane-fueled devices keeping the balloon at pilot Rod Yngeeren’s desired height.

“It was neat … we could see the other seven balloons,” she said of the others also allowed to take off with winds out of the northeast assuring a Lake Michigan dunking wouldn’t occur.

Yngeeren had the balloon go to a maximum of about 800 feet but then dipped far closer to earth.

“We brushed the tops of some trees and had cows and a deer look up at us,” Walesh said. “We were lucky to be able to fly around Manitowoc County and see so many things we knew.”

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Hot-air balloons at West Woodhay House

Hot-air balloons will rise over West Berkshire when a stately home opens its gates to the public.

West Woodhay House, west of Newbury, will be holding the second West Woodhay Garden Show over the weekend of Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21.

The Inigo Jones house, owned by Harry and Sarah Henderson, is set in extensive grounds surrounded by the chalk hills of the North Hampshire Downs.

This is a rare opportunity to see the grounds which include lakes, ponds, woodland, formal gardens and a church.

The walled garden is one of the main attractions designed to supply the house with fresh produce and flowers and has a glass sculpture by Neil Wilkin as its central feature.

In the walled garden, head gardener Pete Jackson and other experts will offer gardening tips.

The Henderson family constantly add to their tree collection and the garden is full of unusual plants.

Other attractions at the show include a floral art show organised by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies in two marquees.

BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Clive Stewart-Lockhart will provide valuations.

The hot-air balloon rally will also be held at the weekend to celebrate 100 years of the Newbury Show this year. More than 100 trade stands will be at the event with an art exhibition and food available all day.

The gardens are open from 10am until 6pm on each day and admission is £7.

A children’s corner will provide activities and Newbury Rotary will run a silent auction.

East Woodhay Silver Band will be playing all day on the Saturday and Hungerford Brass Band on both days.

On Sunday morning, the Reverend Julie Ramsbotham will hold a service – Praise in the Garden – and the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell will also be present.

Last year, the first West Woodhay Garden Show attracted 12,000 visitors and raised more than £80,000 for charities.

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TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY - BALLOON ADVENTURE

Sunrise over an enchanted European vineyard? Sure looks like it, as you ascend on a cushion of wind, breaking the bonds of gravity aboard a beautiful California Dreamin’ Hot Air Balloon in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

On your hot air balloon ride, you’ll leisurely float over rolling hills, impeccably planted rows of lush vineyards, and inspect the angular lines of red tile roofs of Country estates and Ranches in magnificent settings. You might even skim through the top branches of a citrus tree – and harvest a fruit in the process – all in the course of an hour – covering anywhere from three to seven miles.

We’ll fly high enough to afford a commanding view of the sprawling and spreading South Coast Winery and Resort, Ponte Estate Winery, Stuart Cellars, Long Shadow Winery, and Mount Palomar Winery, to name a few!

And on your hot air balloon ride, we wont spill a drop of your “Mimosa”, a favorite Balloonist breakfast – the delicious mix of orange juice and excellent local champagne. It is a salute to your quiet, free flight over a rising star in the art and tradition of California wine making – TEMECULA!!! Even the name has a heady ring to it.

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Upstate celebrates Memorial Day with a hot-air balloon festival

This Upstate celebration of Memorial Day weekend complete with music, rides, and hot air balloons kicks off today, May 22, and runs through May 25.

So, if you’re in the upstate area this holiday weekend stop by the Freedom Weekend Aloft in Simpsonville.

And they’ve got a lot to offer: The festival’s amphitheater is located right beside the balloon launch making for a multi sensory experience. Chairman of the Board and the United States Fleet Band will be playing. There will even be Wii challenges, an obstacle course, and a water balloon race to bring you back to your camp days. For the more adventurous balloon rides are available for $175, call in advance to make a reservation, 864-221-0552.

Hours are 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and Noon to 8:00 p.m on Monday. It’s $7.50 for advance tickets and $10 at the gate. — Admission is free on Monday, May 25th.

The festival is located in Heritage Park, 861 SE Main Street in Simpsonville.

You can learn loads more about the event in their program (PDF).

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Napa Hot Air Balloon Rides

Balloons Above the Valley uses state-of-the-art Hot Air Balloons and hot air ballooning equipment. Our reservation staff is #1 in customer service and adds value to your next trip to Napa Valley. Balloons Above the Valley values our client's time and privacy.
Hot Air Balloons in Napa Valley float almost silently above the trees, hillsides, fields, and vineyards. You will see the Napa Valley wine country in a way that ground-bound travelers never will. Napa Valley hot air balloon rides are one of the most exhilarating experiences you will ever enjoy. Your hot air balloon rises with the roar of the burners and then floats in silence, drifting with the wind as your overlook wine country's majestic landscape. You won't feel the wind; you are a part of it - barely realizing you're moving. This Napa hot air balloon flight experience with Balloons Above the Valley includes:

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