The weather outlook was grim with forecasted winds, but the prognosticators were
foiled as balloons flew all three days, while the winds waited until all balloons were
safely packed away each morning.The 11th Annual KLAQ 95.5 FM International Balloon Festival convened to celebrate in El Paso, Texas on May 25, 26 and 27. Registration and pilot reception took place at the El Paso Airport Hilton Hotel amidst 300 German Short Haired Pointers competing in a National Dog Show. 55 balloons flew during the Memorial weekend festivities, efficiently coordinated by chairperson Waynelyn Brown and Safety Officer Keith Jenkins.
The weather outlook was grim with forecasted winds, but the prognosticators were
foiled as balloons flew all three days, while the winds waited until all balloons were
safely packed away each morning.
Saturday and Sunday were hare and hound competitions flown from Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park in Anthony, Texas. Overall winners were Susan and Bill Flynt from Roswell, N. M., who took home American Airline tickets with a toss of six feet three inches. Second place went to Bob Fern of El Paso and third place to Steven Shope of Corrales, N. M.
Monday was a fun flight, again from Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park while 21 balloons flew Internationally, from polo fields in Mexico back to the U.S.
Organizers and volunteers must be doing something right, as 26 pilots pre- registered for next years festival. Hope to see you here.
