Everyone has their favorite balloon event. From small town balloon invitational to the nine day blow out of Albuquerque there is one that is special for each of us. In this issue two events illustrate the vast range of possibilities. And the similarities of what make an event a favorite event, to be returned to year after year.
This past May Gary Rominger ventured to rural Oregon for the Madras Collage of Culture. The flying was pleasurable. But it is not the flying that brings pilots back year after year to an event. It is the community that goes out of its way to make the visiting balloonists feel welcome. The chance to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. The opportunity to share the joy of ballooning with others.
In June Glen Moyer headed up to Danville, Illinois for the Oldsmobile Balloon Classic. With over 100 balloons, Danville can be considered one of the major balloon events in the U.S. Like Madras, it is the community and the many volunteers who make this event so successful. Danville has become known for its innovative ideas on how to make the event better each year.
Both events have strong community support and a dedicated team of volunteers that staff the committees.
What is your favorite event? And why? Consider your answer because, in a few months Balloon Life is going to ask you to nominate your favorite event. In the February, 1998 issue we will announce the first Balloon Life list of the top balloon events in America. Details of the nomination process will first appear in the October issue.
Balloonists haul their aerostat around in vans, trailers, trucks, and chase commanders. These vehicles are often festooned in artwork. This month Balloon Life talks with a vehicle artist to get some inside tips for turning your chase vehicle into a work of art. Art of the Chase begins on page 18.
Earl Miller of Clemson, South Carolina, has taken the art of the chase one step further. The Wild Bunch chase commanderŐs artwork is also a game. Combining his love of conservation, ballooning, and the artwork on the vehicle, Earl plays a game with kids. He tasks them to identify all the animals and other environmental icons on the vehicle. When they return with a completed sheet they receive a small reward. And best of all, they have learned something in the process. MillerŐs Game is on page 25.