There is no better way to ring
out the old year than from the basket of a balloon. And, there is no better
way to ring in the New Year than with one last balloon rally of the season.
This was held on Wednesday, December 30, 1998, during The Humanitarian Bowl
football game in Boise, Idaho, hosted by Scott Spencer.
It didn't matter that the University of Southern Mississippi was schedule to play Idaho State University. It didn't matter that the USM Golden Eagles were favored by 16 points over the Idaho Vandals. Or, that the Humanitarian Organizers were worried a storm would hit Boise on game day. The only important play this day would be the weather versus the balloonists. Still, the balloonists were determined to be the winners in this battle against the cold, frigid temperatures and threats of rain and fog.
Snow laden foothills surrounded the City of Boise. Park ponds were lightly encrusted by a sheet of ice only the Canadian geese could enjoy skating across as they landed. Streets were lined with the remnants of recently fallen winter snow, melting in the warm rainy weather. As the rain continued and game day fast approached, an optimistic Spencer watched diligently for the weather to improve. And, as luck would have it, the day provided sunshine skies that peaked through gray and white cloud covering.
At Boise State University stadium, the appointed launch site was water logged from the pools of rain and freshly melted snow. This made driving across the site without burying vehicles in mud and fresh laden goose droppings nearly impossible. Therefore, the seven balloon teams gathered for the first early morning, pre-game flight on the south, tarp laden, parking lot. Light and variable wind provided a perfect aerial opportunity of the royal blue "smurf turf" inside BSU stadium. As each pilot ascended into the cool early morning skies, sounds of the USM marching band blended with the half-time "conga" show music. This lent a festive feeling to the atmosphere. And as each balloon hovered over the stadium, it was apparent to crew below this would be an easy chase.
Captain Crystal was the first to fly the Double Tree balloon over the stadium. She then boxed back across the stadium, between the grandstands, down low across the 50 yard line, and to the end zone for a first rate touchdown in the practice field where the game launch was to occur. She was followed by Phil Archey flying the Coca-Cola/Albertson balloon, and then Laurie Spencer in the Wildhorse Casino balloon. The rest of the pilots (Curt Pengelli in Micron, Art Circo in Model T Casino, Tom Gough in Celebrate Idaho, and Roy Foote in Taunimara) landed in or close to the stadium arena area. The weather gradually improved into a splendid day and the stress of a potential non-event evaporated with the sunshine.
With a few hours until game time, the tanks were refueled. Then pilots and crew gathered to socialized in the stadium parking lot while grabbing a quick bite to eat. When "showtime" arrived just prior to the 1 PM game time, The Great Tony balloon, piloted by Scott Spencer, joined the seven other balloons. The balloons were then reinflated in the tarped parking lot and walked to the grassy practice field in anticipation of the launch.
Finally, the moment arrived. Each pilot and balloon were introduced and then the sweet strains of America The Beautiful wafted melodiously through the grandstands. As The Star Spangled Banner was sung, each pilot gently lifted their balloons in flight, one by one in 15 second intervals. Celebrate Idaho led the entourage followed by Micron, Wildhorse, Kellogg's The GR-R-REAT Tony, Coca-Cola, Double Tree, Taunimara, and Model T. The scene from a balloon was breathtaking. Below lay a 70 by 40 yard U.S. flag centered on the royal blue turf, surrounded by metallic blue and white life-size stars glittering in the sunlight. As the last strains of the National Anthem were heard, air cannons projected blue and white tinsel from the grandstands onto the field below.
The eight balloons drifted slowly around the arena, then landed safely close by. What a beautiful spectacle. The National Anthem was never sung more serenely. It was a 1998 memory that will live for many New Years to come.
As it so happens, the "underdog" Idaho Vandals beat the "unbeatable" USM Golden Eagles 42 to 35. And, a predicted cold weather system evaporated enabling the balloons to perform a wonderful pre-game show for the Humanitarian Bowl which aired on local and national television. So goes lifemay the New Year be just as successful and safe for all.
Photographs by Danielle Fournier, official LTA photographer.
