I love hearing stories about the personal lives of people around the world. It is interesting to see where they came from and what helped shape them into the adults they grew up to be. I came across this writing about a small town in rural Ohio that hosts a fantastic hot air balloon event every year. It was an interesting perspective from a crew member of a yearly balloon team. She accounts her insider experiences throughout the weekend of events and has beautiful imagery to support the text.
Take a look below!
Memorial Day weekend always holds a special place in my heart. The tiny town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio annually hosts the Blossom Time Festival, complete with hot air balloon competitions, a carnival and parade. From the age of 3 years old, my brother had always wanted to become a balloon pilot. By the age of 15, he accomplished that goal and now flies every year at that exact spot of conception.
Thursday evening begins the event with the community gathering at the fields behind the High School. The earlier you get there, the better your seat for the evening’s entertainment. Local restaurants set up their tents, food trucks arrive and the smell of kettle corn entrances the guests.
The excitement begins when the balloon chase vehicles start coming out on the field to set up. Each finds a spot on the field to begin inflation. Depending on the weather, some do a quick flight. Others set up in a large semi-circle in preparation for the night glow. Continue reading…
