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Friday evening at the Balloons Over 66 event in
Lincoln, it was the perfect night for flying. As 38 pilots attended
the pilots’ meeting in the breakfast room of the Comfort Inn &
Suites, they learned that temperatures were good, winds were quite
mild, and it was going to be a great evening for launch the 38 hot
air balloons that are participating in this year’s events.
Anxious to get on with the show, the meeting dismissed sooner than
expected, and a short ribbon cutting ceremony was held before
everyone headed to their vehicles and made their way to the huge
lawn area at Open Arms Church.
Because everyone wanted to get on with the show, the ribbon cutting
event was abbreviated with only Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch and
Balloons Over 66 originator Seth Goodman offering us a few comments
before snipping the ribbon.
Mayor Welch, who is also a pilot in training, was
asked to speak and he began by asking for recognition for Goodman
and also for all those who work so hard each year to put on a
successful event.
Welch thanked those who were at the motel for being part of the
event. He said that if folks were from Lincoln thank you for the
support and if you are from out of town, thank you for coming and
being a part of this important weekend.
There was a brief moment of acknowledgement for Lincoln Aldermen who
were present as well as Logan County Royalty Queen Julia Collins,
Junior Miss Courtney Cecil and Little Miss Logan County Vayda
Farmer.
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The floor was then given to Goodman who noted that
this year there are 38 pilots, all of whom were behind the ribbon
for the cut. He said these were pilots from all over the country He
noted that this was the biggest event held in Lincoln Annually. He
concluded “this is the biggest weekend in Lincoln. If you are not
here, I’m sorry you are all missing out.”
Goodman, flanked by his parents Scott and Gaynor (who helped hold
the scissor) posed for the still shot then the large crowd in
attendance assisted with the countdown then Seth and Gaynor Goodman
snipped the ribbon on the 2025 Balloons Over 66 weekend.
Then it was a mad rush of people trotting to vans and vehicles to
head out to Open Arms, where already a few thousand people were
gathering for a chance to watch the balloons inflate and take to the
skies on a beautiful Friday evening.
[Nila Smith] |
