With increased interest in the
Balloon Life sponsored contest to find the best balloon events two
category winners were chosen, best in the east and west. The winners of
the Second Annual Balloon Life Best Balloon Event award are Hersheypark
Balloonfest, Hershey, Pennsylvania (for the second year in a row) and Boise
River Festival, Boise, Idaho.
What made these events stand above the rest? Here is what the nominators had to say.
"Hershey stands head and shoulders above the rest for several simple reasons ... SAFETY, ORGANIZATION, INVOLVEMENT and FUN.
"First and foremost, Hershey is safe. Balloonmeister, Don Dillon of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is a professional in every respect of the word, and in charge. There is no question as to who has the final say, how things are to be run, and that safety is the number one priority. Don is responsible and accountable, and the event shows it.
"Organization is exceptional. From mailings prior to the event, to check-in, to briefs and to post-flight feedback, the process works like a fine Swiss watch. Knowledgeable, trained and qualified personnel abound on Don's staff. Every aspect of the event is handled exceptionally well, and feedback is readily solicited and improvements are made on the spot.
"`Experts' provide the finest in preflight briefs. Weather is handled by Dr. Clark, with observations and meteorological updates provided from the field. His forecasting and weather interpretation are unlike any other ... and he lives the result. Dr. Clark can be seen flying regularly and always adds to his already broad professional expertise by seeing what his forecasts do first hand. He understands what balloonists need and provides it in clear, easy to understand and very interesting ways.
"Hershey is fun. From meeting with and flying with old friends, having the opportunity to fly hosts and sponsors who are genuinely interested in what we do, to the fantastic meals and to the total family involvement, it is without peer. Events are provided that keep every member of the crew and passengers excited and engaged. And the Hershey folks know how to treat their friends right with numerous opportunities to enjoy the magic of Hershey Park, and the genuine hospitality provided right down to the special chocolate `perks' found in the pilot, crew, and landowner packs.
"Hershey is about getting back to why we fly ... the fun and excitement of being in the air in that magical world where people stop and look with smiles on their faces ... flying over the beautiful Pennsylvania autumn countryside and landing where people openly welcome balloonists the way it was `in the old days.' No competition ... and yet everyone is a winner."
"Boise River Festival and Balloonmeister, Scott Spencer, along with his wife and wonderful hostess, Laurie, give each pilot a beautiful place to staya four star hotel in the heart of Boise just minutes drive from the launch site (a very important commodity when dealing with early morning flights and late night glows). If ever a pilot needed anything, including oil changes, their wishes were granted (to a point, of course). This event has everything needed for a world class balloon rallyplenty of opportunity to fly with four morning flights (box winds available most mornings), a night glow with 100,000 spectators in attendance, special shapes and corporate balloon displays, one long distance competition for those who enjoy competing, a formal dinner complete with entertainment, and a phenomenal fireworks display to end the event (including front row VIP seats).
"However, even though the pilots are treated like royalty, the crew and sponsors are not left out of the loop like most rallies. During the "Parade to the Park", which is in conjunction with the glow, all rally members drive single file into the park from the hotelescorted by Boise's "finest" police force. With waves to passing motorists, each who participate in the parade get that feeling of being just a little more specially treated.
"Mr. Spencer solicited the omnipotent presence of a very special guest last yearnone other than Mickey Mouse. Mickey (whose appearance ranks as being a very rare occasion outside of his theme park) was the Grand Marshal and "conductor" of the glow. Complete with accompanying music, balloons danced in unison as their burners kept beat in a harmonious fashion. The balloon kids were also treated to a special "Meet Mickey" picture taking event on Saturday afternoon. Little faces lit up almost as brightly as the night's glow and provided more of a treat for pilots, crew, and sponsors who watched with tremendous enjoyment.
"The Boise River Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally has also featured crew competitions. And, since the River Festival offers over 400 events, there isn't much time to sit around in the luxurious hotel room. Of course, if relaxing is your choice, a beautiful pool is available complete with sun chairs to catch some the of Boise desert rays. Each year an assortment of entertaining musicians are provided free to the public. During 1998 Chubby Checker performed. A special "Nite Lite" parade features floats illuminated with lights in the evening. There is also the food court (which kept our taste buds forever happy with each new flavor), pet shows, talent contests, sand sculpting for children, and my favoritea helium blimp parade which made me feel like I was watching the Macy's Christmas Day parade. Obviously I couldn't attend all the events and can't begin to list them, but you can imagine there is something for everyone. And, for those who just want to relax and grab a bite to eat, a hospitality tent is available."
With the rally season just beginning, start thinking about your nominations for the 1999 Best Balloon Event Awards. Soon after your favorite event is over, write your nomination and mail it to Balloon Life. Your nomination might even make our Logbook section. If we use the nomination in Logbook, you not only assure that your favorite event will be considered, but you will get paid for the article and photographs used.
With the announcement of the 1999 contest, and in anticipation of many more entries, is also the announcement of more categories. In addition to the best regional events there will be a best Safety Seminar category for 1999.
Rules are the same for 1999. Entry deadline is January 15, 2000. Congratulations to Boise River Festival and Hersheypark Balloonfest for 1998. Start sending in your 1999 nominations now!
