Carolina Balloonfest 35

A Hot Air Balloon Lover's Delight

Dec 16, 2008 Patti Hutchison

It is a beautiful, clear day in Statesville, North Carolina. The sun is shining, but the breeze is brisk. A great day for the hot air balloon festival? Perhaps.

The band is playing Radar Love. Scents of cinnamon candy apples and fried dough fill the air. Vendors sell jewelry, artwork, and toys, as well as ice cream, kettle corn, and any number of culinary delights. There is wine tasting and a kid’s fun zone—entertainment for all ages. People set up colorful bag chairs, moving them frequently to follow the sun. Some dance to the music. It is a wonderful festival atmosphere.

As if on cue, the wind picks up just before the scheduled mass balloon launch. Rumors of a postponement are finally confirmed by the announcer. The mood is still hopeful, anticipatory. The music, eating, and chasing the sun continue.

Setting Up for Launch

Almost secretly, a wicker gondola is removed from a van roof. The burner is tested. The gauges are checked. A large, gas-powered fan is taken from the back of the van. A small crowd gathers. The wind is calming.

Yards of silky orange, yellow, and green material are unpacked and stretched along the ground. A single rope with a wooden handle at the end extends beyond the parachute-like material.

Five people pick up the rope. The wicker basket is placed on its side, ropes attaching it to the balloon. The large fan begins to blow noisily, inflating the balloon. The people on the rope pull tightly, keeping the cap against the hole in the top of the balloon, allowing no air to escape. They tread back and forth, as the wind forces the balloon from side to side as it’s filling.

The burner in the basket is lit. The hot air is breathed into the balloon until it is completely inflated. The wicker basket stands upright. The chase balloon is aloft! Its passengers wave at the excited crowd as the balloon quickly becomes a colorful speck in the distant azure sky.

The Mass Launch is On!

Around the field, other balloons are being inflated as the band plays on. The balloons look like giant toddlers in colorful clothing awakening from their afternoon naps. They teeter, bumping into each other. Finally, another colorful floater leaves the ground. One by one, others follow. Soon the sky is dotted with a spectrum of hot air balloons, which will land where ever the wind takes them.

Witnessing a Twilight Balloon Glow

Soon after the last aircraft is launched, the others begin to return. The sun is setting. The rainbow-colored giants are inflating once again. This time they remain tethered to the ground. As the clear sky darkens, the balloon glow begins. “Balloonists—let’s have an all-glow in 3, 2, 1,” the announcer beckons. SHOOOOSH! The burners illuminate each balloon. Bright reds, oranges, blues, and greens are lighted against the black sky in every direction. The crowd ooohsand aaahs as if watching a display of July 4th fireworks.

“Now, let’s try a twinkle in 3, 2, 1,” the announcer asks. In turn, random burners give a short Woosh. The scene is reminiscent of a giant twinkling Christmas tree. A hot air balloon lover’s delight, this festival is not to be missed.

The copyright of the article Carolina Balloonfest 35 in Family Travel is owned by Patti Hutchison. Permission to republish Carolina Balloonfest 35 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.