Although still August, Saturday morning at the airport was just cool enough to imagine that fall is just around the corner. Donned in sweaters and sweatshirts, a large crowd lined the east side of the grass runway at the Logan County Airport. Soon they would be rewarded for their patience as the first balloon rose out of the southwest at around 7 and gently floated overhead. The contests of dropping a marker on a red "X" and then trying to land as close as possible to another "X" farther down the airport grounds tested the balloonists' skills.

Pictures by Nila Smith

Waiting and watching the horizon.

Giving a cheer as the first balloon comes into sight.

"X" marks the spot.

Getting ready to take a shot at the target.

Sungard, the CEFCU-sponsored balloon. Pilot Jim House makes his approach to the target.

Happy Birthday Ashley

Now that's how its done! Right on the mark.

Wally taking a swim in the trees.

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