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Highlands Today

Balloonists Get A Serene Ride

Jasmina MeyerHighlands Today

Bob Wilamoski, right, owner of Bob's Balloon Charters, LLC prepares his hot air balloon for participants to ride during a warm-up for the Fall Classic Balloon Fest early Thursday morning at the Sebring International Raceway.

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: November 7, 2008

SEBRING - Photos Available For Purchase

One by one at just past dawn, five vibrantly colored balloons poked through a rapidly clearing fog, during the start of a 12 mile hour-long journey.

The trip was a warm-up for the Fall Classic Balloon Fest. Pilots and passengers lifted off from Sebring International Raceway and landed near Lake Placid.

The public is invited to attend an upcoming two-day event as many of the same balloonists will soar, along with up to 18 hot air balloons at once, Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

Balloons on Thursday came within inches of orderly rows of orange groves, skimmed along the tops of scrub and one pilot even splashed into the water of a lake occupied at the time only by a row boat full of surprised fishermen.

They flew above the many serpentine turns of Josephine Creek, always headed toward the citrus tower on the horizon, to the Caladium Capital of the World.

Wild turkeys, feral hogs, deer, cattle and birds were all viewed from above.

Realtor Chip Boring conversed with excited workers in Spanish hundreds of feet below, while otherwise, almost absolute stillness and quiet was regularly punctuated by the blast of propane burners.

Organizers moved the annual event from springtime to November.

"We had so many people who wanted to participate in the March event that we thought we would try it again in the fall," wrote event organizer Pam Mooney in press release. "Also, the winds should be more favorable."

Organizer Gina Bexley, of Lake Placid, said the activities are open to all ages.

"It's out of the ordinary," said Bexley. "And an experience that we just don't have here in Highlands County."

First-time balloonists, Gayle Crossman and Chad Hankin, of the Sebring Quality Inn, both enjoyed the adventure.

Crossman said she was exuberant and the ride was serene, while Hankin said the journey was magical.

Dean Mabe, a Tampa pilot with Air Ad-Ventures Inc., flew the largest of the handful of balloons, Thursday.

The canopy of the veteran pilot's balloon measured 140,000 square feet and is made from rip-stop nylon, with a urethane coating.

About 30 gallons of propane were used to control the lift, while heating the canopy air, inches above the passenger's heads.

A hot air balloon like Mabe's, with a 500-pound basket, suitable for six riders and pilot costs more than $40,000.

While balloons soar easily, landing can become exciting.

Mabe grew serious when he told passengers: "We may bounce and tip. We might pitch forward. Hold tight and bend your knees slightly. Keep hanging on and don't jump out until I tell you to."

Several of the same aeronauts who participated in March will be back again for the November event, along with many of the same activities.

A "Sunset Balloon Ride" will start at 3:30p.m., Friday.

Friday's activities will include a night glow as well as tether rides, food vendors, raffles and music from DJ Geo as well as many activities planned for children and will begin at 5 p.m.

The public is also invited Saturday morning to take part in what could possibly become a repeat of Thursday's exhilarating warm-up. The sunrise flight will begin at 6:30 a.m.

Both Friday and Saturday's activities will take place at Sebring International Raceway, however due to weather conditions the location could change.

The Boys and Girls Club of Highlands County is offering balloon rides on either flight for $250 and tethered flights Friday for $10, with other levels of sponsorship available. All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club.

Those wanting additional information on the event can contact Mooney at 465-4092 or Bexley at 202-0245.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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