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 When balloons glow they take on a whole new
personality from when they are in the air in daylight. The sight to
see was the large number of balloons glowing all at one time.
The park district was a good place for the glow, as it appeared
there were at least a few thousand spectators who came out with
blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the evening glow.
The weather was not unpleasant as night fell. The lack of sun cooled
the air some, though it was still quite warm. A gentle breeze
continued to cool the skin and kiss the balloons as pilots inflated.
All of the pilots were invited to attend the glow and participate.
Many of them, but not all did come out and put on a show for the
audience. As the evening progressed there was a lot of attention
given to the pilots. Special glows were called for all local pilots,
pilots within the state, and pilots who had traveled from outside
the state for the event.
The crowds cheered loudly for each group as the balloons were asked
to glow if they were from nearby, in the state or outside the state.
Balloons Over 66 organizer Seth Goodman spoke from his basket as
they inflated the balloons, expressing appreciation for all the
pilots who had made the trip to Lincoln making it a very special
weekend.
At one time the announcer asked how many in the crowd would like to
see the pilots return next year. The roar of the crowd was
astounding and something there is no doubt the pilots were able to
hear regardless of where they were at in the field.
The balloons performed at the request of the announcer with a
variety of displays from flickers to waves to full glows.
As the evening went on, pilots expended all their fuel and one by
one the balloons began to fall to the ground. As the official
glowing opportunities were coming to an end, spectators were told
they could go out on the field and for a closer look at the balloons
still standing.
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Then it was time to call the evening to an end.
Guests were asked to exit the field so balloons could come down
safely and crews could get their equipment packed up.
As the ballooning portion of the weekend came to a close, there were
still activities going on in the downtown area, including live music
and plenty of food and drink opportunities.
During the organizing stages of this year’s event, Goodman had
talked about how the weekend would go. He wanted everyone to be safe
and kind and tolerant of each other during the arrival and departure
at the park district. He said his only true concern was about the
traffic in and out of the park district and the need for everyone to
share the same road safely and with courtesy shown to the pilots
trying to get in for the glow.
From the outside looking in, it appeared that the community did a
great job of navigating in and out on Saturday evening. While there
were a lot of vehicles that needed to leave and it did take a bit of
time, it appeared that everyone was being courteous and patient.
While the balloons were done for the weekend on Saturday evening,
Sunday would see one more large event that is now a key part of the
Balloons Over 66. The Shady Car show at Memorial Park near the Elks
Golf Club would feature 125 amazing automobiles on Sunday.
Lincoln Daily News attended that car show and it was amazing.
Coverage from the car show will be featured in the Wednesday edition
of Lincoln Daily News.
[Nila Smith]
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