The 1997 Red River Rally has exploded
in attendance and popularity in seven short years. This is the second year
that the Rally has been held at Shreveport's Downtown Airport allowing the
event to include an air show between the ballooning events.by Kendall Docter
photos by Neil Johnson
The 1997 Red River Rally has exploded
in attendance and popularity in seven short years. This is the second year
that the Rally has been held at Shreveport's Downtown Airport allowing the
event to include an air show between the ballooning events.
Aircraft from the Confederate Air Force flew in for the weekend which also inlcude arts and crafts, antique and show cars, a Legends car race, two bike races, and five live bands.
A total of 52 balloons registered this year, the largest number to date. Fourteen of the pilots were local. Taking the title of "Who came the farthest to get here" was Rick Walczan from New Zealand just nudging out Hikaru Otagirl from Japan.
If the Rally staff had been praying for nice weather, the Lord certainly answered with blue skies all weekend. A light northerly wind carried 17 balloons six miles back to the field except one of our local pilots who gave his sponsor a photo op of the Shreveport skyline. It was alos on this morning flight that I dubbed Bill Harwell "Bayou Bill." While he did make the airport property, he wasn't exactly out of the flood plain. That's when it helps to have dedicated ground crew members that aren't allergic to poison ivy. We are in this for the adventureare we not?
Friday evening the winds were light and some of the pilots took a practice run at the pole, however the pole was never seriously threatened.
Saturday morning however was a different story as many pilots did a respectable job of navigating to the target area. As the balloons neared the field the crowds and crews watched with anticipation as balloon after balloon came in close but never plucked the ring off the pole. The spectators (and crews!) each had their favorite balloon but wanted any pilot to win. If a pilot had been successful in grabbing the ring, then a name would have been drawn from public entrees for another $10,000! Vic White came close and probably would have made it if he had used the cane hiding in his basket. Just kidding Vic! Philip Bryant had a baggie drop of 0'-0" on the "X" which earned him bragging rights for one day and $1 ,000.
Saturday the crowds were entertained
by a multitude of events, however capturing a great deal of attention was
the military and civilian aircraft that were on static display or flew in
the air-show. Aerobatic routines were flown by several skilled pilots which
thrilled the crowd. When the big radial engines of the Confederate Air Force's
B-l 7 and B-26 sprang to life the people seemed pleased. Pyrotechnics added
to the realism of the aircraft fly-by. The Experimental Aircraft Association
had many members there with their aircraft on display and in the air show.
Wayne Crank, who holds the record in Louisiana for the highest climb above
AGL in a sailplane, flew silently above while a ballad was played over the
loudspeakers. It was very similar to the majesty of a balloon floating serenely
overhead. It was a beautiful sight.
Sunday morning came too early but dawn met us with a beautiful light wind. Pat Harwell's tasking included three targets; a milk jug drop, (a hat or underwear if you forgot your jug!~, a G.l. Joe with parachute drop, and a baggie drop. Earning $100 for her 2" baggie drop was Paula Griswold. Taking top honors in the milk jug drop was Vic White. The best parachute drop was a 0' 0" drop by Richard Lawhorn which landed directly on the lion's left paw. Is that what Pat briefed? The yellow inflatable lion was a surprise to me and probably others because what I heard Pat say was yellow line, NOT yellow lion! See? This is supposed to be a fun Rally!
Grabbing top honor in the unselfishness department were the many people who volunteered many hours of their time to make this event successful. Honorable Mention goes to Pat Harwell who gave up his ride in the B-17 so his father could go. What a great present to give away.
Ernie Ethridge, our local meteorologist strutted his stuff when one of the pilots tried to stump him in front of the group. The question was asked "What MSL is the Red River near the Horseshoe Casino?" Without even pausing, Ernie quoted from memory the height of the water above gauge zero (13'-7") and the height above MSL of the gauge of 131.48' MSL for a combined total of 145.18' MSL! Ernie is a permanent part of the Rally team and always earns his keep. Thanks Ernie!
The Red River Rally Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit organization which dedicates the majority of any profits to LSU-Shreveport Alumni Association scholarship funds and the aviation programs of Louisiana Tech, Louisiana Technical College and Southern University. Additionally, they create opportunlties for other non-profits to raise money, and strive to promote tourism to Shreveport.
For those of you that have not experienced the Red River Rally, consider coming next year. This has always been a "fun" Rally and will continue to be this way.
I learned several things durlng this Rally. First, when I get my balloon rating I will follow Wil Lapointe and set up next to him. I figure my odds of being embarrassed are a little less. Second, never over tighten the propane fittings. Thlrd, enjoy your friendships, new and old, with equal enthusiasm, neither lasts forever.
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