For the start of the 24th Annual
Thunderbird Balloon Classic Tony Tiger was given the honor of being first
to inflate on Saturday morning as the band played the Star Spangled Banner.
There were three waves launched in the Hare n' Hound competition. The crowds
were great, enjoying the balloons, vendors and the entertainment provided
by the event organizers.
Both evenings featured a "Desert glow" with many special shapes making their first appearances in Scottsdale including the View Sonic Monitor, Mr. Michelin, the Uni-Royal Nail Guard Tire, and Mrs. Butterworth. Other shapes including The Cuervo Bottle, Garfield, The Famous Footwear Shoe, Ms. Piggy, United Van Lines and Mr. Peanut along with and many corporate balloons illuminated the night air.
The first two waves got off the ground on Sunday morning before the thermals kicked in and kept most of the special shapes on the ground where they remained tethered for the local crowds. Sunday morning, the local children again were given the chance to test their balloon building skills and sent tissue paper balloons up into the sky. Next year, the event will be 25 years old and may prove to be quite the celebration.
