[August 23, 2012]    

If you've had your eye to the sky this week, you may have noticed that the local hot air balloonists have been out "practicing" for this weekend's events.

Deb Rohrer is a huge fan of balloon flight and has been involved with a few of these evening flights. On Tuesday a group took to the air from Allison Park in the Mayfair subdivision. A portion of their journey took them to Lincoln Lakes, where Rohrer said she experienced a first -- getting wet in a balloon!

On Wednesday evening the American Legion was the setting for the annual volunteer appreciation dinner. After dinner, balloons once again took to the skies and literally flew off into the sunset. Among those who were blessed with a beautiful evening flight was Mayor Keith Snyder.

Tonight will be media night at the Logan County Airport. Several balloons will be on hand, and members of local media will have the opportunity to experience balloon flight firsthand.

Pictures by Deb Rohrer

Three hot air balloons took off from the park in Mayfair Tuesday night.

From the air, look at an empty airport on Tuesday night. The calm before the festival.

 

Pilot Jim Phelan and his passenger take a dip in the water at Lincoln Lakes Tuesday evening.

Phelan says to his passenger, "Are those good shoes?" They were about to get wet.

"I was in another balloon taking the pictures and got a 'bit' wet too," said Rohrer. "OH MY!!!! I've flown lots of times, but never done that before. "

Jim Phelan is one of the hot air balloon coordinators.

 

Wednesday evening after people enjoyed a pizza dinner at the volunteer party at the American Legion in Lincoln, several balloons took to the skies once again for a beautiful evening ride.

Mayor Keith Snyder poses with the balloon crew before taking a ride.