Sint-Niklaas Ballonstad "Balloon 97"

by Ron Behrmann

The latter part of July we were spending time camping out up in the Snowy Range of Wyoming, between balloon events in Steamboat Springs and Crested Butte, Colorado. We drove down to a small town in northern Colorado to pick up supplies and to check on our phone messages back home. One of the messages was from Jean Sax, inviting us to a ballooning event in Belgium in September. I told Trish that it would be fun to go to Belgium, but time was to short to get inexpensive tickets to go and our schedule was already full. I decided to call Jean to tell him that we appreciated the invitation, but probably wouldn't make it this year. When I got Jean on the phone he said that they were inviting us to their event because they love our photography and that Trish and I were being invited as "Honoured Guests," along with Ed and Suzanne Yost, Don Piccard, Mr. & Mrs. Don Kersten, Sid and Jewel Cutter, and many more ballooning dignitaries. All that he needed from us was the OK to book our flights and make all of our arrangements to attend the event as their guests. I said yes and gave him the necessary information. How could we refuse such an invitation? When I got off the phone I told Trish that we were going to Sint-Niklaas, Belgium to Balloon '97. I informed her that it would be their celebration of 50 years of gas ballooning, 25 years of hot air ballooning, and 10 years of special shape balloons. We were both very excited and couldn't wait till September.

Over the next month we were very busy going to various balloon events. We finally got back home from the Colorado Springs balloon event the evening of September 1st. We washed clothes and packed on the 2nd, and left for Belgium on the 3rd. At the Albuquerque airport we met up with the Yost's and the Cutter's for the flight. Our flight left Albuquerque at 7:45 a.m., we changed planes in Denver and again in Washington DC, and finally arrived in Brussels, Belgium 7:20 a.m. Thursday morning, September 4th. We were met at the airport by Jean Sax, his lovely wife Jacqueline, and their son Roy. They loaded us onto a bus and escorted us the short drive to Sint-Niklaas. On the way we were given guest packs with gifts, tickets, passes, and one of the most detailed books of pilot information that I have ever seen. When we arrived in Sint-Niklaas we checked into the Hotel Des Flandres, a quaint little hotel that was within walking distance of everything that we needed to do while we were at the event.

After cleaning up from our long flight, we headed down to the Townhall at the Market Square for the official opening of the event. After speeches by the Burgomaster and other dignitaries, the "Guests of Honour" were introduced. Trish and I felt very honored to be included with such an incredible group of ballooning legends. Following the opening there was a reception in the Guest-Marquee on the Market Square, as well as a flight of Old Timer Balloons. Some of the old balloons were inflated but not flown because of their age. The balloons that did fly were chased by some beautiful old cars from the 1920's and 30's. There were old Cadillac's, Bentley's, Delaye's and other old cars that gave chase. All of the pilots and crews were dressed up in old time costumes, it was quite a site. That evening Trish and I joined the Yost's and Don Piccard for dinner at the Kopenhagen Tavern. The quality and quantity (French cuisine with German portions) of food made this restaurant our favorite eating establishment while we were staying in Sint-Niklaas.

Friday morning we walked down to view the 7 a.m. balloon flight from the Market Square. We returned to the hotel for breakfast and to meet up with some of the other guests. The "Guests of Honour" were all invited to Jean Sax's house from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for a special reception. After the reception Trish and I spent several hours walking around and exploring Sint-Niklaas. At 5 p.m. there was a pilot briefing, at 6 p.m. the special shapes balloon flight, and at 6:30-7p .m. the regular hot air balloons flew. Later that evening there was a party and food at the city hall, followed by fireworks and a light show on the Market Square.

Saturday morning we walked down to watch the balloon launch, did breakfast, then returned for the 11 a.m. briefing for the gas balloon pilots. The gas balloons started inflation at l p.m. and launched from the Market Square at 3:30 p.m. This was followed by the launch of the special shaped balloons at 5p .m., and the regular hot air balloons at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. a "Grand Buffet" was held for the pilots, crews, and guests at Sint-Josef College. A "Night Glow Balloon Ballet" started on the square at 11 p.m. The hot air balloons participating were queued on when to burn with a light that was run to each balloon and would light up when they were to glow. The night glow was all synchronized to symphonic music. It was one of the most organized and coordinated balloon glows that we have ever seen. 11:30 p.m. was the start of another fireworks finale.

Sunday's schedule was basically the same as Saturday's through early evening. A closing Gala Dinner was held after the day's ballooning events and was held in the city hall at 9:30 p.m. Great food and drink was enjoyed by all that attended. Special awards were given out, and incredible Belgian crystal gifts were received by the "Honoured Guests." The party went on into the early morning hours.

Monday morning Trish and I went shopping for Belgian chocolate and other items we wanted to take home as gifts, and for our own pleasure. Our plane for the flight back home left Brussels, Belgium at l p.m. We switched planes in Washington DC, and again in Denver, then finally arrived home in Albuquerque at 11:30 p.m. Monday night. After four full days of ballooning events, receptions, parties, and a full day of travel each way, we were exhausted, but thrilled to have been part of the celebration. Next year if we were to be invited back to Sint-Niklaas, Belgium again, we would drop everything and be there on the first available flight.