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Show Volume IV, Issue X THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 September 1, 2001 BALLOON FEST cont. from page 1 eagerly watched balloons being inflated with hot air, then surrealistically rise into the atmosphere. Calm morning conditions provide the optimal environment for launching balloons. Pilots fielded questions from onlookers, eager to share details of every step as they prepared their balloons for flight. They enjoyed teaching the interested onlookers their Pilot Betty Brown in her balloon “Red Robin”with sponsor Lisa Catanzaro of Ski Lake Corporation. tricks, and sharing their love of flying. Incredibly, an individual need only be 14 years of age to fly a balloon, in contrast to 16 years of age to legally drive a car. Balloonists competed for cash and gift prizes in a test of flying skill on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. From high above, pilots hurled streamer-laden beanbags with the balloonist’s number attached, aiming for targets below. All were competing for first prize by trying to get their beanbags the closest to two marked targets—one in a field below the Eden cemetery, and the other back at the Eden Park. The pilots had four chances, with two markers to hit each day, to try and beat their competitors. Pilots were given points, dependent on how close their beanbags came to each marker. The try for the markers was timed. Pilots had to be off the park field by 7:45 a.m., and back again by 9:30 a.m. Pilots came from all over the intermountain area to compete and join in the fun—Wyoming, California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico. There is a wonderful spirit of camaraderie among pilots. Balloonists are a tight community with only 2,500 licensed pilots in the United States. Many balloonists fly to overcome their fear of heights. Pilots truly enjoy sharing their sport and talents with the community, providing a good time for all. Pilot Don Stocklee and his balloon “Moonshine” have been coming to the Eden Balloon Fest for five years. He stated that Ogden Valley is a beautiful place to fly. “The community treats you like family.” He also stated that he already had people asking if he would be back again next year. All the pilots mentioned what a great time they had, and that they plan to mark their calendar for next year’s event. Pilot Betty Brown of Park City and her balloon the “Red Robin”said, “I love flying here. The community is so friendly and hospitable, and the winds here are light and variable, and easier to navigate.” Pilot Betty Brown has won first, second and third places at the Eden Balloon Fest, and flew in from The National Hot Air Balloon Championship in Waco, Texas especially for the Eden event. Her husband was still driving en route while the event was going on. Brown also stated that she flies for the tranquility of it. “It is as close to being a bird as you can come. It is very therapeutic.” Upon arriving to Eden’s Balloon Fest, each pilot received a “pilot pack” that included a denim shirt emblazoned with the Balloon Fest logo, a balloon pin, $50 cash, a bottle of champagne, a scented candle, and a bucket of golf balls courtesy of Wolf Creek Resort. This year Eddie Clements won first prize with his balloon “Autumn Fantasy.” Pilot Don Stocklee with his balloon “Moonshine.” He won second place. Quality Construction Homes available at Heritage Knoll BOB FRALEY CONSTRUCTION L.C. Residential Small Commercial Remodeling 745-9226 Balloons take to the air for competition in the Seventh Annual Balloon Fest. He was awarded $300 cash, and from the dred booths with food, arts and crafts, prize table, he chose a satellite dish sys- vendors and games. A variety of foods tem and one year of free service donated were available to park goers. Food venby Wasatch Front Communication. dors offered pizza, Navajo tacos, Greek, Don Stocklee and his balloon Hawaiian, Mexican, and Korean dishes. “Moonshine” took second place. He A variety of rides were available for chose a beautiful headboard and night- the young kids as well as the not-sostand hand-carved by Brent Carver of young kids. The Gyro turned the daring Eden. He also received a $250 cash in all directions—hopefully before the prize. riders ate. Pony rides were held in the Third place was awarded to Pat corral. The Moon Walk along Titanic Prothro and his balloon “Belle Star.” He Slide provided lots of fun. was awarded $200 cash, and selected a There was also a petting zoo with beautiful ski jacket, donated by Diamond baby alpaca, ducks, pigs, goats, sheep and Peak, from the prize table. chickens. Janet Martin from Boise, Idaho The award ceremony was held on is the owner and plans to be back next Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at Eden Park, fol- year. lowed by a breakfast for pilots and sponAbout 30 classic cars were on display sors. at the car show, where chrome and high This year there were over one hunBALLOON FEST cont. on page 4 |