The original pilots who gathered at the 20th anniversary in 1991. Left
to right: (inset) Brent Stockwell, Matt Wiederkehr, Carter Twedt, Karl Stefan,
Don Piccard, Bill Murtorff, Don Kersten, Dennis Floden, Gene Dennis, Bill
Cutter, Sid Cutter.Sid Cutter-Albuquerque, New Mexico
Purchased Albuquerque's first resident hot air balloon in 1971 to serve as a centerpiece for his mother's birthday. The balloon made its maiden voyage on the morning after the party. Cutter went on to found the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association and organized the first Fiesta with Don Draper and Tom Rutherford held April 8, 1972.
Bill Cutter-Phoenix, Arizona
Sid's older brother. Following their mother's birthday party Bill took their new red, white and blue balloon to Phoenix. However he returned with it and competed in the first Fiesta. In 1973 he took second place at the First World Championships (2nd Fiesta) in Albuquerque.
Dennis Floden-Fenton, Michigan
"Captain Phogg" by nickname, Floden is best known today as the pilot of the Tony the Tiger balloon. At the time of the first Fiesta, Floden was the reigning US National Champion. He went on to add a World Championship title to his name in 1973 during the 2nd Fiesta and 1st World Championships.
Gene Dennis-Grand Blank, Michigan
An electronics engineer, Dennis spent his first year flying with Dennis Floden and adopted the nickname "Captain Phair Weather." He continued to fly balloons as a hobby for over 20 years.
Don Kersten-Fort Dodge, Iowa
Kersten was the immediate past president of the Balloon Federation of America when he attended the 1st Fiesta. He was instrumental in the selection of Albuquerque as host city for the 1st World Championships in 1973a move that assured the Fiesta would continue.
Bill Murtorff-Houston, Texas
Bill attended the inaugural Fiesta fresh from a victory in the Florida Balloon Championships in 1972. He is the only pilot to have attended each of the 25 Fiestas. His balloon is the well known two-faced pumpkin known as "Happy Jack" and "The Chinese Bandit." Bill is now retired and living in Mexico.
Don Piccard-Minneapolis, Minnesota
Perhaps the first professional balloon salesman at Raven Industries and a long-time pilot and manufacturer. Piccard won first place in the first Roadrunner/Coyote race at the first Fiesta.
Wilma Piccard-Minneapolis, Minnesota
The only female pilot in command at the first Fiesta, she flew a patchwork balloon named "Gypsy" and placed 2nd behind husband Don. She was unable to attend the 20th Anniversary because of illness.
Karl Stefan-Fort Collins, Colorado
Co-founder of The Balloon Works in Statesville, North Carolina, Stefan is an aeronautical engineer with more than 30 years experience in lighter-than-air craft. Karl is the past president of the balloon commission for the Fédération Aéronautic Internationale. Stefan was Fiesta's first safety officer. He served in that capacity for the 1973 World Championships.
Matt Wiederkehr-St. Paul, Minnesota
Matt and his co-pilot daughter Denise, placed third in the first Fiesta race. A pioneer in commercial ballooning he still runs a balloonport today. Matt and his daughters have held over 40 world records in ballooning.
Brent Stockwell-Oakland, California
A veteran pilot, Stockwell continues to operate a balloon repair station and pilot training facility in Oakland. His claim to fame at Fiesta came when his small AX-4 balloon ran out of fuel before reaching the target in the first race.
Carter Twedt-Carson City, Nevada
Twedt currently flies for American Airlines and has been a fixed wing pilot for over 30 years. In the early 70's he diverted to balloons long enough to participate in the original Fiesta.
Oscar Kratz-Tucson, Arizona (deceased)
He was the 13th entry in the original Fiesta and was represented at the 20th anniversary ceremonies by his widow Patty. If Kratz' rental rates for a balloon had not been so high Fiesta might never have happened. Sid Cutter contacted Kratz about renting a balloon for his mother's birthday party but when quoted a price, Cutter decided to buy a balloon instead.
The original pilots who gathered at the 20th anniversary in 1991. Left
to right: (inset) Brent Stockwell, Matt Wiederkehr, Carter Twedt, Karl Stefan,
Don Piccard, Bill Murtorff, Don Kersten, Dennis Floden, Gene Dennis, Bill
Cutter, Sid Cutter.
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