Balloons soar over MetroWest for a good cause

HUDSON —

Tranquility is what brings a balloonist to take to the sky in nothing but a basket, balloon and the power of hot air.

``It's a great escape when you're up there,'' said Bob Martel, a balloonist who helped coordinate the Hudson Elks' fifth annual Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Also, there's the look on kids' faces - and adults, for that matter.

``It's awe-inspiring to lots of people,'' said Martel.

This year's festival launched 14 over Hudson and other parts of MetroWest at dawn and again at dusk. They soared high enough over the trees to see the skyline of Boston about 30 miles away.

Money raised from admission goes to support the town's public library, as well as the Elks' own scholarships and charitable programs. Each year, it raises as much as $10,000, Martel said. Also, it's a way of introducing to the uninitiated a unique way to take to the skies.
``It's a great way for the pilots to show the magic of ballooning,'' said Martel.

In the afternoon, hundreds of people walked among dozens of sponsors' booths, where classic summertime fare like ice cream was sold alongside toys, apparel, handbags, books and other merchandise. Under a large pavilion, a band called The McMurphys played live music for the crowd.

Hudson native Lydia Caserta sat at a table under the pavilion with Tom Fitzgerald of Clinton - both signed up to be bone marrow donors at the festival. Caserta said she's attended the event before, and encouraged Fitzgerald to come for the first time yesterday.

``We'll check out the balloons,'' she said.

Marlborough residents Lorraine and Joseph Nadeau have been going to the festival for three years, and always look forward to it, they said. Lorraine Nadeau said she liked walking among all the different exhibits from sponsors, while her husband said yesterday had good weather for the festival.

``The atmosphere is great,'' he said.

Kim Caron traveled with her husband and children from New Hampshire to attend the Elk's festival.

``We're looking forward to the balloons,'' said Caron. ``We've never done anything like this before.''

Another balloonist, Rudi Sachenbacher, has participated in every year of the festival, and said piloting a balloon - and not knowing how long he'll be aloft and where he'll land - is part of ballooning's appeal.

``It's always a great way to raise funds - aside from the fact I love flying,'' said Sachenbacher. ``I happen to like that feeling: I like the feeling of not knowing what's in store.''

Today, a continental breakfast will be held at the Elks Lodge where participants can meet the pilots, and is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

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